Thokar Niaz Baig, where Multan Road meets the motorway and Canal Road, is a busy commercial node, and recruitment offices sending workers to the Gulf operate across this part of Lahore. Overseas employment promoters must be licensed by the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment, and their fees, permitted charges and records are regulated.
Licensing first
Overseas employment promoters operate under a licence from the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment, with conditions on fees that can be charged to workers, security deposits and record-keeping. Unlicensed recruitment is illegal. A promoter's licence documents are also the starting point for its tax records.
Income
| Source | Notes |
|---|---|
| Service charges from workers | As permitted by regulations; issue receipts |
| Fees from foreign employers | Received from abroad through banks |
| Visa processing assistance | Service income |
| Trade testing / training (if offered) | Service income |
Amounts collected from workers on behalf of others — government fees, medical tests, protector fees — are pass-through, not income.
Foreign receipts
Fees paid by foreign employers arrive through banks. Keep agreements with foreign employers (demand letters, service agreements) and bank certificates.
Withholding and sales tax
Recruitment services may fall within PRA's sales tax on services. Payments you make to sub-agents and service providers may require withholding if you're a prescribed person.
Security deposits
Licence conditions require security deposits or guarantees. These are your assets (receivables) until released.
Records the Bureau and FBR both look at
- Register of workers placed, with fees charged.
- Receipts issued to workers.
- Agreements with foreign employers.
- Bank records of foreign receipts.
Never take more from a worker than the regulations allow, and always give a receipt. It protects the worker, your licence and your tax records at once.
Office and staff
Promoters need offices, interview space and staff for documentation. Rent, salaries and utilities are costs; withholding on salaries above the threshold applies.
Security deposit and licence renewal
Licence renewal fees are costs; the security deposit remains an asset.
Sub-agents in other cities
Promoters often work with sub-agents who bring workers from other districts. Commissions paid to sub-agents are costs, and withholding may apply if you're a prescribed person. Keep agreements and payment records.
Refunds to workers
When a visa or job falls through, workers may be refunded. Refunds reduce income; record them with the worker's acknowledgement.
Thokar Niaz Baig — questions we get asked
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