The Government of Pakistan, through the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE), has issued an important new advisory cautioning citizens against fraudulent promises of foreign work visas. The bureau has warned the public not to trust travel agencies or private agents who claim they can arrange overseas employment, stressing that such individuals have no legal authority to process work visas or collect any form of payment.
Only Licensed OEPs Can Legally Recruit Pakistani Workers
According to BEOE, the recruitment of Pakistani workers for jobs abroad is the sole responsibility of licensed Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs). These promoters are officially authorized and regulated by the government. Applicants are strongly encouraged to verify the status of any agency by checking the official OEP directory available on the BEOE website.
The advisory comes amid a rise in misleading claims made by unregistered agents who falsely assure jobseekers that they can arrange employment through shortcuts, personal links, or so-called special visas. BEOE clarified that no travel agency has the legal right to recruit workers, negotiate contracts, or receive payments for employment arrangements of any kind.
BEOE Clarifies Misconceptions About “Azad Visas”
The bureau also addressed the growing confusion surrounding the concept of “Azad visas.” According to officials, no country issues a visa that allows free or unrestricted employment. Every valid work visa is officially tied to a specific employer or sponsor. Workers who obtain such visas must legally remain under that sponsor unless they receive formal permission to transfer to another employer.
BEOE has cautioned workers that switching jobs without authorization can lead to severe consequences. These may include fines, loss of employment rights, deportation, or even long-term bans from re-entering the host country. The bureau added that in the event of a workplace accident, only the sponsoring company holds legal responsibility for support or compensation.
The advisory further warned that any income earned outside the approved job contract is considered illegal employment. Promises of open, free, or transferable visas are often used to trap unsuspecting jobseekers into scams.
BEOE urges citizens to remain vigilant, follow official procedures, and avoid falling victim to deceptive agents who exploit the dreams of overseas employment.
