EVALUATING THE GAP BETWEEN IMMIGRATION LAW AND PRACTICE: VISA FRAUD AND VICTIMIZATION IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

The issue of visa fraud has become a major socio-legal problem in Pakistan, especially with the rising hopes of migration which has opened avenues for fraudulent visa consultants, recruiters and intermediaries to defraud potential migrants. This study examines the discrepancy between the formal immigration and visa-related legal framework in Pakistan and its implementation in combating visa fraud and assisting the victims. The data analysis is done through socio-legal documentary research which involves scrutiny of the Pakistani law, administrative records by FIA and BEOE, institutional reports, literature on migration at international level, and scholarly research. The results reveal that despite the fact that Pakistan has a significant legal and institutional framework, its effectiveness is limited due to poor implementation as a result of inconsistent regulatory bodies, lack of information, lack of verification mechanisms, victim burden and limited victim-centred remedies. The study proposes the following recommendations for integrated regulation, digitization of verification, coordination of enforcement, raising public awareness, harmonization of data collection and strengthening of mechanisms for victim support and financial compensation.