ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): An important warning has been issued for Pakistanis seeking employment abroad; authorities have cautioned against unregistered agents who lure individuals with promises of jobs secured via visit or tourist visas.
The Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment has warned Pakistanis traveling abroad on visit visas that relying on the promises of unregistered agents or sub-agents to secure employment can lead to serious difficulties.
According to officials, some agents assure citizens that they will find employment immediately upon arrival or that a visit visa can easily be converted into a work visa; citizens are advised never to trust such claims without official verification.
The Bureau of Immigration has clarified that visit or tourist visas generally do not authorize employment. Visa conversion depends entirely on the laws of the host country and the formal decision of the competent immigration authority; therefore, no agent can guarantee such a change.
Serious Consequences of Illegal Work
Officials state that working illegally on a visit or tourist visa can expose citizens to numerous problems, including arrest, detention, prosecution, fines, and deportation.
Such individuals also risk being blacklisted for a prolonged period or permanently, which could jeopardize future visa applications and legal employment opportunities; furthermore, in the event of deportation, they may have to bear the travel expenses themselves.
Individuals working illegally also face a higher risk of exploitation at the workplace; they may encounter issues such as non-payment of wages, arbitrary salary deductions, excessive working hours, and unsafe working conditions.
Additionally, in some instances, there is a risk that employers may confiscate passports or restrict freedom of movement, while access to medical care, legal assistance, and effective grievance redressal mechanisms may be difficult. Such situations can cause mental stress and a sense of isolation for the individuals involved, as well as anxiety for their families.
Safe Method for Overseas Employment
The Bureau of Emigration has advised Pakistani citizens to deal only with licensed overseas employment promoters when seeking employment abroad.
Before accepting a job, it is essential to verify the promoter’s license, the job offer, and the foreign service agreement through official channels.
Authorities have instructed citizens not to hand over money or original documents to unauthorized agents, sub-agents, or social media accounts. All payments should be made through legal channels, and a proper receipt must be obtained.
It is also mandatory to secure a valid work visa, a written employment contract, and other necessary documents before departure. Before signing the contract, individuals are advised to thoroughly understand the terms regarding salary, duties, working hours, accommodation, transportation, medical facilities, leave, and repatriation.
According to the Bureau, obtaining legal protection from the relevant Protector of Emigrants before departure is also essential to ensure that Pakistani citizens traveling for employment receive the legal safeguards and assistance to which they are entitled.
