Pakistan Ends Cash Payments for Overseas Employment to Ensure Transparency and Worker Protection

Islamabad:The federal government has taken a major step to protect Pakistanis seeking employment abroad and to bring greater transparency to the system by **abolishing all cash payments** related to overseas employment.

According to officials, **cash collection for any official or related process, including the Protector of Emigrants**, has been completely discontinued. The **Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment** has issued a formal notification to relevant ministries and institutions in this regard.

Under the new directive, candidates going abroad for employment will be required to make **all payments exclusively through banks or approved online and digital payment methods**.

The notification clearly states that **Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs)** are also prohibited from receiving any form of cash from candidates. All fees and charges must be paid only through **banking channels or approved digital platforms**.

Authorities have warned that **licenses of Overseas Employment Promoters may be cancelled** in case of any violation of these instructions.

It is noteworthy that **thousands of Pakistani citizens travel abroad every month** in search of employment, and the move is aimed at curbing exploitation, fraud, and illegal charges while strengthening accountability in the overseas employment process.