Overseas Jobs for Pakistanis: Foreign Jobs Through Official Channels
Working abroad can change a family’s future – but only if you go through the official system. In Pakistan, foreign employment is regulated by the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment (BE&OE), and the government-run Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) recruits directly for countries such as Korea and Japan.
At a glance
| Approved foreign jobs | beoe.gov.pk/foreign-jobs (BE&OE) |
|---|---|
| Government recruiter | oec.gov.pk · jobs: jobs.oec.gov.pk |
| Licensed promoters | Check the OEP licence and permission number on BE&OE before paying any fee |
| Soft-skills certificate | softskills.oec.gov.pk (required for emigrants) |
| Loan for travel/visa | Up to Rs 1m interest-free (PM Youth Tier 4) |
Start with the official job boards
Every genuine foreign demand processed in Pakistan is approved by BE&OE and carries a permission number.
🔒 Official link – opens the government / bank website. Rozgar for Youth never takes applications or fees.
Three official routes to a job abroad
| Route | How it works | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Overseas Employment Promoter (OEP) | Private recruiters licensed by BE&OE. Each approved demand shows the job, salary, benefits, expiry date and the OEP’s licence. | BE&OE foreign jobs |
| Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) | Government-owned recruiter under the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis & HRD; runs government-to-government programmes such as Korea EPS. | oec.gov.pk |
| Direct employment | You find an employer yourself; you still register with the Protector of Emigrants before leaving. | beoe.gov.pk |
Jobs in South Korea (EPS-TOPIK)
Korea hires Pakistani workers under its Employment Permit System (EPS) through an agreement with the OEC. The usual path is: OEC announces pre-registration → candidates are selected (often by ballot) → they sit the EPS-TOPIK Korean language test → those who pass enter a roster from which Korean employers choose.
- Registration windows are short and announced on oec.gov.pk.
- Learn Korean before you register – NAVTTC runs EPS-TOPIK preparation courses.
- Pay the registration fee only through the official challan.
Jobs in Japan (Specified Skilled Worker)
Pakistan and Japan have a Memorandum of Cooperation on Specified Skilled Workers (SSW). BE&OE approves the OEPs that act as sending organisations, and the OEC works with Japanese partners. According to the Embassy of Japan:
- Applicants must be at least 18 and in good health.
- You must pass a skills test and a Japanese language test for your field.
- SSW (i) allows up to 5 years in total and family members cannot accompany you; SSW (ii) has no maximum stay.
BE&OE’s listings show Japan demands such as logistics, welding and painting, typically paying around ¥160,000–200,000 a month. OEC also offers a short Japanese language course for job seekers. Read BE&OE Japan SSW guidelines and the Embassy of Japan guidance.
Gulf, Europe and other countries
Most demands for Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and other Gulf countries come through licensed OEPs and appear on the BE&OE foreign jobs board. For Europe, follow only programmes announced by OEC, BE&OE or the destination country’s embassy.
Before you leave: protector and soft skills
- Verify the jobCheck the permission number, employer and OEP licence on beoe.gov.pk.
- Get the soft-skills certificateComplete it on the official PakSoftSkills portal.
- Register with the Protector of EmigrantsComplete protector/e-protector registration through BE&OE – it is required for workers going abroad on an employment visa.
- Arrange funds safelyIf you need help with costs, see the interest-free overseas employment loan.
How to spot an overseas job scam
- No BE&OE permission number, or the OEP is not on the licensed list (BE&OE also publishes blacklisted names)
- “Visa for sale” offers or payment to a personal account
- Promises of a job without any test or interview
- Pressure to travel on a visit visa “and convert later”
Frequently asked questions
Bahar ki naukri ke liye kahan apply karein?
beoe.gov.pk/foreign-jobs par approved jobs dekhein ya government ke idare OEC (oec.gov.pk) ke zariye apply karein. Sirf licensed OEP ko hi fees dein.
How do I check if an OEP is genuine?
Look up the OEP licence number and the job’s permission number on the BE&OE website; BE&OE also lists blacklisted promoters.
What is EPS-TOPIK?
The Korean language test for workers under Korea’s Employment Permit System. In Pakistan it is organised through the OEC.
Can I take my family to Japan on an SSW visa?
Not under SSW (i). Family members may accompany SSW (ii) workers in some cases.
Is there a loan to go abroad for work?
Yes – PM Youth Loan Tier 4 offers up to Rs 1 million at 0% for prospective overseas workers with a valid offer.
Is protector registration required?
Yes, workers going abroad for employment register with the Protector of Emigrants through BE&OE.
Official sources
- BE&OE – foreign jobs
- BE&OE – Japan SSW guidelines
- Embassy of Japan in Pakistan – working in Japan
- OEC – Overseas Employment Corporation
- ARY News – soft skills certification mandatory
- NAVTTC – EPS-TOPIK preparation
Always confirm details with the official source before applying.
Updates
- 3 Nov 2026: Guide published and checked against official sources.