Pakistani flight attendants missing after arriving in Canada

Several Pakistani flight attendants have gone missing after landing in Canada. They’ve abandoned their jobs and are believed to be seeking asylum. This is a recurring issue for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

CTV’s Heather Wright reports that PIA flights frequently touch down in Toronto, with crew members staying at nearby hotels before returning home. However, an increasing number of crew members aren’t re-boarding the flights.

“Since last year, unfortunately, we’ve had about eight people go missing in Canada,” says a PIA spokesperson. “They’ve abandoned their jobs to seek asylum.”

In the most recent case, a female flight attendant didn’t return for the airport shuttle in February. Her colleagues found her uniform in the hotel room along with a note thanking PIA.

The Canada Border Services Agency cites privacy concerns and won’t comment on specific cases or reasons for asylum requests. They do note that airline crew don’t require visas to enter Canada, and asylum seekers can make claims at any port of entry.

PIA claims Canada’s easy access for seeking asylum encourages defections. Immigration lawyers agree, stating it reinforces Canada’s reputation as a welcoming destination. While PIA downplays these disappearances, they cause logistical challenges for the airline in an already unstable Pakistan.

PIA is now profiling crew members assigned to Canadian flights, prioritizing those deemed less likely to defect. This includes crew members with established ties in Pakistan, like married individuals or those with long service records.

Flight attendants have voiced concerns about low wages for years. The airline faces privatization amidst economic struggles, with inflation in Pakistan hovering near 30%.