ISLAMABAD – The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment has issued a public warning advising citizens to avoid dealing with travel agencies that claim to arrange foreign work visas.
According to the advisory, such agencies have no legal link with overseas work visas and must not be paid any amount for job-related processing.
The Bureau emphasized that only licensed Overseas Employment Promoters are authorized to facilitate employment opportunities abroad.
Citizens have been urged to verify registered recruitment agencies through the official list available on the Bureau’s website at [www.beoe.gov.pk/list-of-oeps] before engaging in any transaction.
Azad Visa Update
A day earlier, the Bureau issued a public advisory regarding “Azad Visa” of foreign countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Bureau has clarified that no any foreign country offers a legal category known as a “Azad Visa.” All work visas are tied to a specific company, sponsor, or firm, and workers are legally bound to serve only the employer with whom they have signed an official contract.
It explained that several Gulf countries strictly prohibit the concept of free visa, while some nations allow limited changes in sponsorship under specific legal conditions.
The advisory warns that attempting to work for another employer without proper authorization may lead to serious legal consequences, including penalties, deportation, or loss of employment rights.
The bureau further stated that in the event of a workplace accident, only the original sponsoring company is responsible for the worker’s protection and compensation. Earnings obtained outside the contractual employment are considered illegal.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious and avoid falling prey to misleading claims by agents promoting so-called free visas, emphasizing that such promises often result in exploitation and legal difficulties abroad.
