ISLAMABAD, Sep 30 (Alliance News): The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE), a department under the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (OP&HD), has blacklisted around 40 technical trade centers across Pakistan following complaints of fraud and malpractice against innocent citizens, an official source reported.
The primary function of the BEOE is to control and regulate emigration in line with the Emigration Ordinance of 1979, while promoting the legal and safe migration of Pakistani citizens seeking employment abroad.
The department also plays a critical role in safeguarding the interests and welfare of emigrants and advising the Federal Government on policies related to emigration.
Crackdown on Fraudulent Employment Centers
According to the official, the recent crackdown on the technical trade centers comes in response to numerous complaints filed by citizens who were defrauded by these centers.
These institutions were found to be involved in illegal practices, misleading job-seekers with false promises of employment opportunities abroad.
“The BEOE takes its responsibility seriously and will not tolerate any activity that harms the interests of Pakistani citizens,” the source said.
In addition to blacklisting the trade centers, the BEOE has been actively monitoring and supervising Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs) through its seven Protectorates of Emigrants Offices across the country.
These offices are tasked with ensuring that licensed promoters adhere to the regulations set forth by the Emigration Ordinance and do not engage in fraudulent activities.
Promoting Safe and Regulated Emigration
The BEOE emphasized that Pakistani job-seekers must only engage with valid and authorized Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs) to avoid falling victim to scams.
“We urge all individuals seeking foreign employment to verify the credentials of OEPs through the BEOE’s official website.
This is crucial in protecting themselves from loss of time, money, and energy,” the official advised.
Currently, there are 2,577 valid OEP licenses, while more than 5,048 have been deemed invalid. Of the invalid licenses, 670 were canceled due to various violations, 805 expired, and the remaining licenses were voluntarily surrendered by their holders.
Pre-Departure Briefings and Insurance Coverage
In addition to regulating employment promoters, the BEOE provides pre-departure briefings to emigrants.
These briefings ensure that individuals are well-informed about their rights and responsibilities before leaving Pakistan for employment overseas.
The department also facilitates mandatory insurance coverage for Pakistani workers abroad through the State Life Emigrants Insurance Fund (SLEIF).
The official also highlighted the importance of BEOE’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreements with foreign countries, which enable the structured and legal export of manpower from Pakistan.
“These MoUs are critical for ensuring that Pakistani workers are treated fairly and are provided with legal protections in their host countries,” the source added.
Ongoing Commitment to Emigrant Welfare
As part of its ongoing commitment to the welfare of Pakistani emigrants, the BEOE continues to advise the Federal Government on emigration policies and procedures.
The bureau also works closely with international partners to facilitate safe migration pathways and enhance employment opportunities for Pakistani workers abroad.
To further safeguard the rights of emigrants, the BEOE plans to intensify its efforts in monitoring OEPs and technical training centers.
“We will continue to take strict action against any individuals or institutions that are found to be violating emigration laws or defrauding citizens,” the official stated.
The BEOE encourages all citizens considering employment overseas to stay informed by regularly visiting its official website, where they can access the latest information on valid OEPs, pre-departure briefings, and insurance options.
