ISLAMABAD – The Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment has imposed a ban on collection of any cash fees or charges by officials for the visa protector or other services.
The decision has been taken to eliminate corruption as the Bureau has communicated the decision to all relevant departments. It stated that all payments for overseas employment must now be made through bank transfers or approved online and digital methods.
Officials have warned that any violation of this rule could result in the cancellation of the employment promoter’s license.
The directive also clarified that overseas employment promoters are prohibited from collecting any cash payments from candidates. Instead, all fees must be processed through authorized banking or digital channels.
Every month, thousands of Pakistanis travel abroad for work, making this move crucial in ensuring a transparent and efficient system for overseas employment.
Earlier this month, the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) has issued an advisory reminding all Pakistanis working abroad or planning to travel to foreign countries for jobs to strictly follow the mandatory visa protector registration requirements.
It said every overseas employee must obtain a protector stamp or electronic protector verification before departing the country.
Failure to complete this process can result in complications upon return, including issues during immigration clearance at Pakistani airports.
The advisory explains that workers who travel abroad without protector approval will be considered unregistered, making them vulnerable to legal and administrative difficulties.
OPF emphasized that properly registered workers gain access to various welfare schemes and financial benefits offered by the foundation.
Visa Protector Fee
As of December 2025, the total protector fee for those who got direct employment in foreign countries stands at Rs9,200.
It includes Rs4,000 in wake of OPF fund, Rs2,500 Insurance Premium, Rs2,500 registration fee and Rs200 OEC fee.
