AOOA objects hiring 60 foreign pilots in Pakistani airlines

Islamabad: The Aircraft Owners and Operators Association (AOOA) raised objection to the deployment of 60 foreign pilots in Pakistani airlines.

Allegations of tax evasion in Pakistani airlines have been revealed for the appointment of 60 foreign pilots against the rules and the salaries, this series is also being termed as a violation of the rights of 760 unemployed Pakistani pilots and injustice.

In this regard, the letter of General Secretary of AOOA Muhammad Nawaz Asim to Chairman Federal Bureau of revenue (FBR) and Director General Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has come out.

According to the post, the association has concerns about the employment of 60 foreign airline pilots in various Pakistani airlines who are working on the airline's payroll, most of whom do not have valid Pakistan work visas. And they are being paid in dollars without deducting taxes.

The post stated that such foreign pilots usually arrive in Pakistan on General Declaration under International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) rules that allow visa-free entry for foreign carriers and their pilots but not for those who are employed, which is against international law and a violation.

Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) has issued endorsements to foreign pilots' licenses to work in Pakistani airlines, but they are not exempted from work permits and applicable taxes in Pakistan, added the post.

The association termed this illegal practice has emphasized the need to stop tax evasion of ($300,000 million) Rs83.7 million.

On the other hand, the spokesperson of Civil Aviation said that according to the CAA Act 2023, the process of issuing or renewing pilots’ licenses is going on. Prevailing rules are strictly followed in the process of issuing or renewing licenses. Local airlines hire foreign pilots and this is permissible under CAA rules.

The spokesman stated that the validation of foreign pilots is renewed as per the rules on the requests of the airlines. After clearance from the Ministry of Interior, these foreign pilots get their work visas and later they are issued the verification certificate.