How to deal with work problems abroad

1. Know Your Rights Before Departure

Before going abroad, workers should attend pre-departure orientation sessions arranged by the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment (BEOE) and Migrant Resource Centres (MRCs).
They should fully understand the employment contract, salary, working hours, and benefits before signing.

Workers can contact the Pakistani Embassy/Consulate’s Community Welfare Attachés (CWAs) if they face workplace problems.
The Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) also assists with legal advice, welfare support, and repatriation in extreme cases.

Workers can lodge complaints against Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs), employers, or agents through BEOE’s online complaint system.
Some destination countries also have labour courts or grievance mechanisms that protect foreign workers’ rights.

Migrant Resource Centres (MRCs) in Pakistan provide guidance on safe migration, legal advice, and reintegration support for returnees.
NGOs and welfare organisations in host countries sometimes offer free legal and psychosocial support.

Keep copies of all important documents (passport, visa, contract).
Maintain contact with family members and share employer details with them.
Avoid working without legal documents or overstaying visas, as this makes workers vulnerable to exploitation.

The Complaint Cell was set up in June 2001 to address issues—especially work-related problems—faced by overseas Pakistanis, particularly in Gulf countries. Complaints are received via multiple channels including government offices, missions abroad, and directly from individuals.

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone (UAN): +92-51-111-040-040
WhatsApp: +92-301-9872195 and +92-306-0329901
Online Complaints Portal: Accessible via the OPF web portal (OCMS), with the option to register and submit complaints online.

Registration Required: Overseas Pakistanis must register as members on the OPF portal before lodging complaints
Submission Process: Complaints can be submitted via email, WhatsApp, UAN, online form, fax, post, or in person. Provide complete details and attach documentary proof to facilitate efficient grievance resolution
Acknowledgment & Tracking: After submission, OPF assigns and forwards complaints to relevant departments, aiming for action within 20 working days for online complaints, and 10 working days for manual submissions

You can monitor the status of your complaint by logging in to your account.