ISLAMABAD: Pakistani citizens travelling abroad on visit or tourist visas have been advised to remain vigilant against fraudulent job offers and employment scams.
The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment has warned citizens against trusting unregistered agents or sub-agents who promise employment after arrival abroad or claim that a visit visa can easily be converted into a work visa.
The bureau cautioned that travelling abroad on a visit or tourist visa based solely on an agent’s unverified promise of employment can lead to serious legal and financial difficulties.
In general, a visit or tourist visa does not permit the holder to work. Any change in visa status is subject to the laws and regulations of the destination country and must be approved by the relevant immigration authorities. No agent can guarantee that a visit visa will be converted into a work visa.
Consequences of Illegal Employment
People who work illegally while abroad on a visit or tourist visa may face a range of legal and other consequences, including:
Arrest, detention and legal proceedings
Fines and deportation
Long-term or permanent blacklisting
Difficulties obtaining visas and securing legal employment in the future
Having to bear the cost of returning to Pakistan
The bureau also warned that people working without legal status may be more vulnerable to exploitation. They could face unpaid wages or unlawful salary deductions, excessively long working hours and unsafe working conditions.
In some cases, workers may also face the risk of having their passports confiscated or their movement restricted. They may have limited access to medical care, legal assistance and effective complaint mechanisms.
Such circumstances can also result in significant psychological stress, fear, isolation and difficulties for families back home.
How to Seek Overseas Employment Safely
The authorities have advised Pakistani citizens seeking employment abroad to follow legal channels and deal only with Overseas Employment Promoters licensed by the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment.
Before accepting a job offer, applicants should verify the promoter’s licence, employment details and Foreign Service Agreement through official sources.
Citizens have also been advised not to hand over money or original documents to unauthorized agents, sub-agents or social media accounts offering overseas employment. All payments should be made through lawful channels, and applicants should obtain proper receipts for every payment.
Before travelling abroad for employment, individuals should obtain a valid work visa, a written employment contract and all other required documents.
They should carefully review the terms of employment before signing any agreement, including salary, job responsibilities, working hours, accommodation, transportation, medical facilities, leave entitlements and arrangements for returning home.
The authorities have further advised prospective overseas workers to obtain the required legal protection from the relevant Protector of Emigrants before departing Pakistan.
