Before you pay anyone for a job abroad, you should check if the overseas employment agency is licensed in Pakistan. This one step can save you lakhs of rupees and months of stress. In this guide, you will learn how to verify an agency in under 10 minutes, using free official sources.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis go abroad for work, mostly to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain. Most of them travel through licensed agencies. But fake agents also target job seekers with false promises and illegal fees.
What Is an Overseas Employment Promoter (OEP)?
In Pakistan, a recruitment agency that sends workers abroad is legally called an Overseas Employment Promoter, or OEP. Only an OEP can legally recruit Pakistani workers for jobs outside the country.
OEPs are licensed under the Emigration Ordinance 1979. The licence is issued by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, and the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BE&OE) regulates the agencies.
A licensed OEP must:
- Display its licence number in every job advertisement
- Have a registered office address in Pakistan
- Process workers through the official Protector of Emigrants office
- Charge only the service fee allowed by the government, against a proper receipt
Why You Must Check the Licence First
Fake agents often look professional. They may have an office, a Facebook page and printed visa papers. But without a licence, they cannot legally send you abroad.
Here is what can happen if you use an unlicensed agent:
- You lose your money and get no visa at all
- You receive a fake or visit visa instead of a work visa
- You reach the Gulf and find no job, or a different job with lower pay
- You cannot complain to BE&OE, because the agent is not registered
A licensed agency, on the other hand, can be held responsible. If something goes wrong, you can file a complaint and the government can take action against its licence.
Step 1: Find the Licence Number in the Job Ad
Every genuine overseas job ad in Pakistani newspapers shows the agency’s licence number. It usually looks like “OEP Licence No. 1234/RWP” or similar. The letters at the end show the city, such as RWP for Rawalpindi, LHR for Lahore or KHI for Karachi.
If the ad has no licence number, treat it as a red flag. Do not visit the office or send any documents until you confirm who is behind the ad.
Step 2: Search the Agency on the BE&OE Website
The Bureau of Emigration keeps an online list of licensed OEPs. To check an agency:
- Open the official website beoe.gov.pk in your browser.
- Look for the section for Overseas Employment Promoters or OEP list.
- Search by the licence number or the agency name.
- Match the name, licence number, city and address with the job ad.
- Check the licence status. It should be valid, not suspended or cancelled.
If the details do not match, or the agency does not appear, do not proceed. Some fake agents copy the name of a real agency but use a different phone number or address.
Step 3: Visit the Office in Person
A licensed OEP must have a physical office at the address registered with BE&OE. Visit it before paying anything. A real office will have the licence certificate on display.
When you visit, look for these signs:
- The licence certificate is framed and visible
- Staff can show you the demand letter or visa approval from the foreign employer
- The address matches the one on the BE&OE list
- They explain the salary, contract length and duties in writing
Step 4: Ask for the Employment Contract
Before you travel, a licensed agency must give you a written employment contract. This contract should state the employer’s name, your job title, monthly salary, working hours, accommodation and contract period.
Read the contract carefully. If the salary or job is different from the newspaper ad, ask questions. You have the right to know exactly what you are signing.
Step 5: Pay Only Against a Receipt
A licensed agency can charge a service fee, but the amount is fixed by the government. Always ask for an official receipt with the agency’s name and licence number.
Never pay:
- Cash without a receipt
- Money into a personal bank account or mobile wallet of a staff member
- “Advance” fees before you see the visa or contract
- Extra amounts for “quick processing” or “guaranteed selection”
Warning Signs of a Fake Overseas Agent
Keep these red flags in mind while you search for jobs abroad:
- The ad shows only a mobile number, with no licence number or address
- The agent asks for money on WhatsApp or Facebook before any interview
- You are promised a job without a trade test or interview
- The visa is a visit visa, but you are told you can “convert it later”
- The salary is much higher than normal for the same job
- They ask you to skip the Protector process
If you notice two or more of these signs, stop and verify the agency again.
How to Complain Against an Agency
If an agency cheats you, you can take action. Keep copies of all receipts, messages and documents.
You can complain to:
- The Protector of Emigrants office in your region
- The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment through its official complaint system
- The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), which handles human smuggling and illegal recruitment cases
The Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) also helps overseas workers and their families with certain issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a licensed agency still cheat me?
It is rare, but possible. That is why you should still read your contract and keep all receipts. A licensed agency can be punished, and its licence can be suspended or cancelled.
Is a Facebook page enough proof?
No. Anyone can make a Facebook page. Always confirm the licence number on the BE&OE website and visit the office.
Do I need the Protector stamp if I have a work visa?
Yes. Workers going abroad for employment must complete the Protector of Emigrants process. It registers you with the government and gives you insurance cover.
Final Words
Checking an agency licence takes only a few minutes, but it protects your money and your future. Never pay before you verify. Use the BE&OE website, visit the office and ask for a written contract.
On Jobszeen, we try to share overseas jobs from licensed agencies that show their licence number. Still, always do your own checks before you apply. Explore the latest Overseas Jobs and stay safe in your job search.