Why do PIA crew keep disappearing in Canada? Airline Initiates Inquiry
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has opened a formal investigation after a flight attendant reportedly vanished during a layover in Canada for the second time this week.
There are significant concerns within the airline and the nation due to the persistent practice of PIA crew members disappearing in Canada, which many attribute to the nation’s lax asylum laws.
Experts speculate that this series of disappearances may indicate a more serious problem of flying employees abusing their positions to obtain permanent status overseas, given the growing economic strain in Pakistan.
Why PIA Flight Attendants Keep Disappearing In Canada
Flight attendants from Pakistan International Airlines are still making their way to Canada. A concerning trend has surfaced in recent years: some flight attendants and stewards just never come home.
With rumors of its flight crew “going missing” in Canada, the national airline, which has long been embroiled in scandals ranging from pilot qualifications to privatization discussions, is once again in the public eye.
Missing Case Reported In Toronto
The attendant assigned to PK-798, who traveled from Toronto to Lahore and failed to reach the airport on time, is the most recent person on the list. When contacted, the crew member claimed to be ill.
PIA has opened an investigation into the event and stated that departmental action will be taken if it is determined that the absence was illegal.
This is not an isolated instance. Steward Jibran Baloch failed to report for duty on flight PK-782 at Pearson International Airport in 2024 amid an exceptionally harsh cold snap in Toronto. Baloch, who had worked with PIA for more than ten years, chose not to accompany the crew on his planned flight.
PIA Crew Vanish in Canada Amid Asylum Law Loopholes
Maryam Raza and Faiza Mukhtar, two flight attendants, previously failed to return from Canada. Four further crew members also failed to report back during the final two months of 2023. Ten PIA crew members have not returned from flights to Canada during the last few years, according to Abdullah Hafeez Khan.
Experts attribute this development to a number of variables. Some claim it has to do with Pakistan’s worsening economic circumstances and the possible privatization of PIA.
However, PIA asserts that the situation is caused by employees taking advantage of Canada’s lax asylum laws. Immigration experts point out that incidents like this are not unique to Pakistan; people from other nations have also made use of Canadian immigration laws.
Reason Behind This Mystery
If their country has a reciprocal agreement, flight crew personnel may enter Canada on a General Declaration (GD) without a visa. The purpose of this document, which includes flight schedules, crew information, and aircraft registration, is to ensure prompt return.
However, airline sources claim such absences are meticulously prearranged with Canadian support networks.
Peel Regional Police are in charge of Pearson International Airport. Since police are usually only notified by family or friends, authorities verified that no missing person reports were submitted.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) both have privacy policies that forbid discussing specific cases.
Canada’s Asylum Policies Make It Easier for PIA Crew to Disappear
According to immigration consultants, Canada is a popular destination because of its generous asylum laws, which enable people to apply for protection upon arrival. In order to eventually get permanent residency, some applicants additionally take use of work permits or marriage-based sponsorships.
Passport retention, bonds, and monitoring units are some of the ways PIA has tried to prevent similar events, but they haven’t had much of an impact. Experts emphasize that collaboration between Canadian immigration offices and Pakistani authorities is necessary for a successful outcome.
Conclusion
The repeated disappearances of PIA crew members in Canada highlight a growing challenge for the airline and raise concerns about the misuse of international asylum laws. While PIA has implemented measures like passport retention and monitoring, these have proven largely ineffective. Experts stress that only cooperation between Pakistani authorities and Canadian immigration agencies can help address the issue.