ISLAMABAD – November 2025: The federal government has introduced a new requirement for Pakistanis seeking employment abroad, making registration on the PakSkills platform compulsory before departure.
PakSkills Registration Now Essential
Starting November 19, no protector stamp will be issued on passports without proof of PakSkills registration. The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis launched the platform to safeguard job seekers and reduce risks linked to human trafficking.
Registration through the PakSkills app is free of cost and requires applicants to provide essential details such as their CNIC, passport number, educational qualifications, and information about the intended overseas employment. Once registered, individuals will receive a PakSkills certificate, which is now mandatory for obtaining a protector stamp.
Officials explained that this step is designed to ensure transparency in overseas employment and to protect workers from exploitation. Without the PakSkills certificate, applicants will not be able to secure the protector stamp, which is a legal prerequisite for traveling abroad on a work visa.
Benefits of Protector Stamp
The protector stamp offers several protections to overseas workers:
- Legal cover for employment abroad.
- Assistance from Pakistani missions in the host country.
- Access to legal aid through Community Welfare Attachés if employers violate agreements.
- Support for families back home in case of difficulties.
Visa Protector Fee Update
For those securing direct employment in countries such as Australia, the total protector fee currently stands at Rs9,200. This includes:
- Rs4,000 for the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) fund.
- Rs2,500 insurance premium.
- Rs2,500 registration fee.
- Rs200 Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) fee.
Authorities emphasized that these charges are standardized and ensure overseas workers are legally protected under Pakistan’s emigration laws. Officials added that linking the process with PakSkills registration ensures that every worker’s data is verified and securely stored.
FIA Clarifies: No New Restrictions for Work Visa Holders
Amid reports of additional documentation requirements, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has clarified that no new conditions have been imposed on Pakistanis traveling abroad for employment.
Director General FIA Riffat Mukhtar confirmed that overseas workers are not required to submit any affidavit signed by senior government officers, dismissing earlier rumors as baseless. The clarification came during a meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain, who directed authorities to ensure smooth facilitation for workers.
The FIA acknowledged that a few passengers had recently been offloaded at Lahore and Karachi airports, but stressed that these incidents are under investigation. DG Mukhtar assured that strict action will be taken against any officials found responsible for creating unnecessary hurdles.
Minister Salik Hussain reiterated that overseas Pakistanis remain a top priority for the government, highlighting their vital role in boosting remittances and strengthening the national economy.
Key Points from FIA’s Clarification
- No affidavit or additional approval required for work visa holders.
- Investigations launched into airport offloading cases.
- Strict accountability promised for officials violating policy.
- Overseas Pakistanis reaffirmed as a government priority.
With PakSkills registration now mandatory, the government aims to modernize overseas employment procedures and protect workers from exploitation. The integration of the PakSkills certificate into the protector process ensures transparency and safety for job seekers. At the same time, the FIA’s clarification reassures citizens that no unnecessary restrictions have been added, allowing Pakistanis with valid visas and protector stamps to pursue opportunities abroad without undue obstacles.
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