The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE) has issued a strong public warning cautioning citizens against trusting travel agencies that claim they can arrange foreign work visas. The bureau noted that several private agents have been misleading jobseekers with false assurances, despite having no legal authority to process or facilitate employment abroad.
According to the advisory, only licensed Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs) are authorized to recruit Pakistani workers for overseas jobs. The BEOE stressed that no payment should be made to any travel agency for job placement or visa processing. Applicants have been urged to verify the status of any promoter through the official directory available on the BEOE website.
The bureau also sought to clarify growing misconceptions surrounding so-called “Azad visas.” Officials stated that no country in the world issues a visa that offers unrestricted employment, and any claim suggesting otherwise is deceptive. Every legitimate work visa, they said, is connected to a specific employer or sponsor.
The statement warned that switching employers without proper authorization violates immigration laws and can lead to serious penalties, including deportation and the loss of legal employment rights. The bureau added that in cases of workplace injury, only the officially designated sponsoring company is responsible for compensation or assistance.
The BEOE further highlighted that income earned outside the approved contract falls under illegal employment, placing workers at significant legal risk. Officials urged the public to remain vigilant, stressing that promises of free, transferable, or open visas are commonly used tactics to exploit jobseekers.
