The Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment (BE&OE) has recently issued an important advisory aimed at protecting Pakistani citizens from falling victim to fraudulent foreign job schemes. With increasing interest in overseas employment, the bureau emphasized the need for vigilance against scams, particularly those involving travel agencies falsely claiming to process visas.
In a detailed social media announcement, the BE&OE clarified that travel agencies do not possess any legal authority to issue or handle visa applications. Their official function is limited strictly to booking airline tickets. The bureau strongly cautioned job seekers against making any payments to travel agencies for visa-related services, highlighting that such transactions are unauthorized and potentially fraudulent.
To ensure safe and legitimate employment abroad, the bureau advised candidates to rely solely on official channels. Job seekers are encouraged to visit the Bureau’s dedicated foreign job portal, which lists verified and authorized overseas employment opportunities. After selecting a suitable job from this portal, applicants should directly contact the Licensed Overseas Employment Promoter (OEP) responsible for that specific vacancy to proceed with their application.
In a significant development to combat fraud, the bureau also urged individuals who have been deceived by travel agencies under the guise of job offers to promptly file complaints with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). This step is crucial for initiating investigations and taking legal action against fraudulent entities. For convenience, the bureau has provided access to an official list of verified foreign jobs through its online portal, ensuring transparency and security for prospective overseas workers.
