ISLAMAAD: The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE) has issued a fresh warning to Pakistani citizens against fraudulent travel agencies falsely claiming to arrange foreign work visas.
The bureau stated that these agencies have no legal connection to overseas employment processing and citizens must not pay them any fees for job or visa services. Only licensed Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs) are authorised to facilitate work abroad.
Citizens have been urged to verify the legitimacy of recruitment agencies through the official list available on the BEOE website: www.beoe.gov.pk/list-of-oeps.
The alert comes after repeated complaints regarding the promotion of so-called “Azad Visas” for countries including Saudi Arabia and the UAE. BEOE clarified that no country issues an “Azad” (free) visa; all legitimate work visas are linked to a specific employer or sponsor, and workers are legally required to serve only that sponsor.
Working for any other employer without proper transfer or authorisation may lead to severe penalties, deportation, and loss of employment rights. In case of workplace accidents, only the sponsoring company is liable for protection and compensation, while earnings from unauthorised employment are considered illegal.
Authorities said that promises of free or open work visas are typically deceptive and exploitative, advising citizens to exercise extreme caution before signing any overseas employment agreement.
Also read: UAE Visit Visa Salary Update October 2025
