Following complaints of incidents of indiscipline and rude behaviour by Islamabad International Airport’s immigration staff on the Citizen’s Complaint Portal, Deputy Director Immigration Sajid Hussain Khokar of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has passed new instructions which directed immigrations staff to be more welcoming.

According to the orders, the immigration staff has been directed to welcome the passengers with phrases like ‘Assalaam u Alaikum’, ‘Good Morning’, and ‘Good Evening’ according to the time of the day.

After a passenger is done with the legal formalities, the staff will have to say ‘Thank you’ or ‘Shukriya’. The immigration staff will also give chocolates to passengers as a goodwill gesture. In case a passenger is found with fake travelling documents or misbehaves with the immigration staff, the staff must exercise the lawful and legal authority conferred upon them.

CCTV cameras have also been installed inside lock-ups, offices of the assistant directors, and restrooms of staff to monitor their behaviour.

The staff is directed to make sure that there is only a single queue to end VIP culture at the airports. However, a separate line will still be in place for diplomats and ambassadors to facilitate them.