Karachi: (RightNow) FIA Immigration at Jinnah International Airport foiled an attempt to illegally migrate to Australia under the guise of Umrah. Three suspicious Pakistani passengers, Nadeem Iqbal, Shehzad Ali, and Samar Shehzad, were stopped and interrogated.

The passengers, hailing from Hafizabad and Sargodha, were found with Saudi Umrah visas, as well as visas for Bahrain and the Republic of Palau. Authorities examined their travel documents and mobile phones.

The passengers revealed that an agent from Multan, Naeem Murshid, promised visas and travel arrangements for 25 lakh rupees per passenger. Their plan was to reach Australia after staying in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Palau.

FIA, based on documentary evidence and statements, thwarted the illegal migration attempt disguised as Umrah. This highlights the threat of human smuggling.

It is noteworthy that incidents of human smuggling are on the rise, and authorities are closely monitoring to prevent this crime. The passengers have been handed over to the FIA Anti-Human Trafficking and Smuggling Circle Karachi for further legal action.