Gulf Work Visa Document Checklist for Pakistani Workers (2026)

Over 2 million Pakistanis work in the GCC, making Pakistan the largest source country of expatriate labour in the Gulf. The work-visa process is broadly similar across all 6 GCC countries with country-specific variations. This master checklist covers everything needed for Pakistani workers heading to Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, or Kuwait.

Stage 1: Job offer + employer-side preparation

Before YOUR paperwork starts, the Gulf-side employer must:

1. Issue a Demand Letter / Offer Letter / Wakala (Saudi term) specifying job, salary, contract duration, accommodation arrangements
2. Obtain approved visa quota / Block Visa / Labour Approval from their country's Labour Ministry
3. Submit your details to relevant Gulf authority

Stage 2: Pakistani document attestation

Three-stage attestation chain for each required document:

• Educational degree (HEC + MoFA + Embassy): For skilled positions — engineers, doctors, IT, finance, hospitality managers, teachers. See full attestation guide.
• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) + MoFA + Embassy: Required for most worker visas. PCC issued by District Police Office, usually 15-30 days.
• Marriage certificate (NADRA + MoFA + Embassy): Required only if bringing family on residence visa. Use the NADRA Computerised Marriage Certificate, NOT the original Nikah-nama.
• Children's birth certificates (NADRA + MoFA + Embassy): Required only if bringing children on family residence visa.
• Experience certificates from previous employers: For skilled positions. Original employer attestation + MoFA + Embassy.
• Profession-specific verifications: Pakistan Medical Commission for doctors, Pakistan Engineering Council for engineers, etc.

Stage 3: GAMCA medical examination

Mandatory for all Gulf work visas. Full GAMCA guide here.

• Find authorised centre at wafid.com
• Tests: HIV, Hep B/C, syphilis, TB X-ray, drug screen, pregnancy (women), ECG (over 40)
• Cost: PKR 6,500-9,500
• Report turnaround: 2-4 working days
• Validity: 90 days (60 days for some Gulf countries)

Stage 4: Visa stamping at destination country embassy / consulate

With attested documents + GAMCA fitness + demand letter, apply at:

• Saudi Embassy Islamabad / Consulate Karachi — for Saudi visas
• UAE Embassy Islamabad / Consulate Karachi — for UAE visas
• Qatar Embassy Islamabad / Consulate Karachi — for Qatar visas
• etc.

Processing: 5-15 working days typical.

Stage 5: POE Protector stamp (MANDATORY)

Before flying, every Pakistani going to the Gulf for work MUST get the Protector stamp at a Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEMB) office. POE Protector guide.

• 8 POE offices: Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Multan, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Quetta, Faisalabad
• Fee: PKR 1,000
• Without this stamp, Pakistani airport immigration will block you from boarding the Gulf-bound flight

Country-specific variations

Saudi Arabia

• ~2.6M Pakistani workers (largest single Gulf destination)
• Kafala (sponsor) system under reform
• Iqama (residence permit) issued after arrival
• SAR 200-800 monthly Iqama fee, sponsor-paid

UAE

• ~1.7M Pakistani workers
• 2-month Employment Visa for entry, converted to Residence Visa
• Tawjeeh orientation (1 day) mandatory for new arrivals
• Emirates ID issued for residents

Qatar

• ~200,000 Pakistani workers
• Hayya app card required since 2022
• Kafala reformed 2020 — workers can change jobs without sponsor permission

Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman

• Smaller Pakistani populations
• Country-specific permit categories
• Each has its own labour authority

Total cost (Pakistani worker side, 2026)

Critical worker rights to verify before signing

• Read contract in full BEFORE leaving Pakistan
• Wage in writing — some employers reduce wages after arrival (illegal but happens)
• Food and accommodation arrangements
• Keep contract copy in Pakistan with family
• Working hours, weekly off, annual leave, return ticket entitlement
• End-of-service gratuity terms (legally mandated in most Gulf countries)
• Probation period (usually 90 days)
• Refuse Arabic-only contracts without notarised translation

Avoiding fraud

Only accept Gulf job offers via licensed channels:

• OEC (Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment Promoters)
• POE-registered Overseas Employment Promoters — verify license on bemb.gov.pk
• Direct employer offers from established GCC firms

Unregistered "agents" charging PKR 200,000-500,000 for promised Gulf jobs are a major source of fraud.