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Working in the Gulf safely: licensed OEPs and direct employment

The two legal ways to work abroad under the Emigration Ordinance 1979, how to check an Overseas Employment Promoter, and the red flags that cost workers their savings.

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8 min read

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar are among the biggest destinations for Pakistani workers. Every year, some workers lose their savings to fake agents, unregistered "visas" and job offers that turn out not to exist. This guide explains the two legal routes, a licensed Overseas Employment Promoter or direct employment registered with the BE&OE, and how to protect yourself.

The law: the Emigration Ordinance 1979

In Pakistan, recruitment for jobs abroad is regulated by the Emigration Ordinance 1979 and the Emigration Rules made under it. The system is run by the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment (opens in a new tab) (BE&OE), which works under the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis & Human Resource Development (opens in a new tab).

Under this law, there are two legal ways to go abroad for work:

  1. Through a licensed Overseas Employment Promoter (OEP). Only OEPs licensed by the BE&OE are allowed to recruit Pakistanis for jobs abroad.
  2. Direct employment. You find the job yourself, and the employment is registered through the BE&OE before you travel.

Either way, you register with the Protector of Emigrants before you leave Pakistan.

What a licensed OEP does

A licensed OEP should:

  • have a valid licence number issued by the BE&OE, and a registered office you can visit;
  • hold permission for the specific job demand from the foreign employer;
  • give you a written employment contract that states your salary, working hours, accommodation, food or allowances, and return ticket;
  • process your registration with the Protector of Emigrants.

Registration involves government fees and contributions, such as welfare fund and insurance payments. An OEP may also charge a service charge, but only within the limit set under the rules. Ask for every charge in writing and always get an official receipt.

How to check an OEP before you pay

  1. Ask for the OEP's licence number and the name on the licence.
  2. Check it with the BE&OE, using the OEP information on beoe.gov.pk (opens in a new tab) or by asking at a Protector of Emigrants office.
  3. Visit the registered office. Be wary of "sub-agents" who say the licence belongs to someone else.
  4. Ask which job demand your offer is under, and check that the employer, job title and salary match your contract.

When Verified consultants opens on Pardes Path, Gulf employment routes will list only agencies whose OEP licence has been checked, and those licences will be checked again on a schedule. Until then, check the licence yourself with the BE&OE using the steps above.

Red flags

Walk away if someone:

  • asks you to travel on a visit visa and "convert" it into a work visa later;
  • offers a "free visa" or "azad visa" that lets you work for anyone;
  • wants cash without an official receipt, or asks you to pay into a personal account;
  • wants to keep your passport;
  • won't give you a written contract before you pay;
  • promises a salary far above what others in the same job earn;
  • pressures you to pay quickly before a "deadline".

Before you fly

  • Read your contract carefully, in a language you understand, and keep a copy.
  • Make sure your Protector of Emigrants registration is complete.
  • Complete the medical examination at an approved centre if your visa requires one.
  • Keep copies of your passport, visa, contract and receipts at home and on your phone.
  • Save the contact details of the Community Welfare Attaché at the Pakistani embassy or consulate in your destination country.

If something goes wrong

  • Before you travel: report an unlicensed recruiter or an OEP that overcharged you to the BE&OE or your nearest Protector of Emigrants office.
  • Fraud and human smuggling: complaints can be made to the Federal Investigation Agency (opens in a new tab) (FIA).
  • After you arrive: contact the Community Welfare Attaché at the Pakistani embassy or consulate.

Working abroad can change a family's future. Taking a few days to check the OEP, or the registration of a direct job, and the contract protects you and your savings.