Pakistani citizens planning to travel to European countries for employment have been advised to carefully check visa, work permit and immigration requirements before travelling, as non-EU nationals do not have an automatic right to work freely across the European Union.
According to the European Union, the right of non-EU nationals to work depends on their nationality, immigration status and the laws of the country where they intend to work. EU countries can set their own conditions for issuing work and residence permits.
Therefore, Pakistanis seeking employment in Europe must obtain the appropriate work visa, work permit or residence authorisation and fulfil the immigration requirements of their destination country.
The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE) also requires emigrants to understand the terms and conditions of their overseas employment, while employment agreements are subject to registration under Pakistan’s emigration framework.
Work permit for one EU country does not mean right to work across Europe
The rules governing foreign workers can differ significantly from one European country to another. A work or residence permit issued by one EU member state does not generally give a non-EU citizen the automatic right to work in another EU country. The European Commission states that employment rights for non-EU nationals mainly depend on the laws applicable in the country concerned.
For example, Italy requires non-EU workers to obtain a work authorisation and visa before entering the country for employment, followed by a residence permit after arrival.
Similarly, Poland has specific temporary residence and work permit requirements for third-country nationals, with employment conditions potentially linked to the employer and terms specified in the permit.
What rights do legal foreign workers have?
Non-EU nationals who are legally employed in an EU country may be entitled to certain rights and protections, including applicable rules on working conditions and equal treatment. The exact rights depend on their immigration status and the laws of the country concerned.
Depending on the circumstances, legal migration routes can include regular employment and single permits, the EU Blue Card for highly skilled workers, seasonal employment, intra-corporate transfers, research and study-related routes, family reunification and long-term residence.
What should Pakistanis check before travelling?
Pakistanis planning to move to Europe for employment should:
- Check the official immigration website of the destination country for the correct visa and work-permit category.
- Obtain a verified job offer and written employment contract.
- Confirm the salary, working hours, job description and accommodation arrangements.
- Check whether the work permit is tied to a specific employer or occupation.
- Complete the required registration and documentation with Pakistan’s Protector of Emigrants before departure, where applicable.
- Keep copies of passports, employment contracts, visas, permits and other important documents.
- Avoid relying solely on claims made by unverified agents or social media accounts.
The European Union advises non-EU nationals to apply for visas or residence permits directly through the authorities of the country they intend to move to, as there is no single EU institution that issues work or residence permits on behalf of individual member states.
The EU also provides country-specific information on immigration and employment requirements through its official immigration portal.
