Travel scam uncovered: Pilgrimage visa used as cover for an illegal immigration attempt in Pakistan

According to an FIA spokesperson, the action was taken by immigration staff during routine screening of outbound passengers, reported Dawn News.

The passengers were identified as Noor Islam and Sikandar Alam.

Officials said the two men were attempting to travel to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. However, initial scrutiny raised suspicions, prompting authorities to refer them for secondary screening and detailed profiling.

During further investigation, officials discovered Moroccan visas affixed to their passports.

Upon questioning, the passengers admitted that their intended final destination was Spain, not Saudi Arabia.

FIA officials told Dawn News that the case reflects a growing trend flagged by the agency, in which travellers allegedly use Umrah visas as a cover to attempt illegal entry into Europe via Morocco.