Every year, thousands of Pakistani workers pay money to agents who cannot legally send anyone anywhere. The check that would have saved them takes five minutes.
Start with the licence number. A genuine Overseas Employment Promoter has one, displays it, and will give it to you without hesitation. If an office cannot produce a number, the conversation is over.
Next, verify it. The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment maintains the list of licensed promoters. Check that the name on the licence matches the name on the door and on the receipt you are given.
Then look at the receipt itself. Legitimate offices issue receipts for every payment, on letterhead, with the amount written clearly. An agent who wants cash without paper is protecting himself, not you.
Finally, ask about the protector. No worker can legally leave Pakistan for employment without protector clearance. If an agent tells you the stamp can be skipped or arranged later at the airport, walk out.
Hiring from Pakistan, or looking for work abroad?
One licensed office handles the demand letter, the shortlist, the trade test and the paperwork.