The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE) has warned citizens not to trust travel agencies that claim they can provide foreign work visas.
The bureau said these agencies have no legal authority to process overseas employment and people should not pay them any money. It reminded citizens that only licensed Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs) are legally allowed to arrange jobs abroad.
BEOE advised people to verify registered recruitment agencies through its official list on the website.
The warning comes after reports about so-called “Azad Visas” for countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The bureau clarified that no country issues an Azad visa and that all work visas are linked to a specific employer. Workers must stay with the employer named in their contract.
The advisory also warned that working for another employer without permission can lead to fines, deportation, or loss of legal rights. It added that only the sponsoring company is responsible for protection and compensation in case of workplace accidents. Any income earned outside the signed contract is considered illegal.
BEOE urged citizens to stay alert and avoid falling for false promises of free or guaranteed visas.
