Top 10 Countries Where Pakistanis Can Get Work Visas Easily

If you’re a skilled professional or simply looking for a new career path abroad, navigating the complexities of obtaining a work visa can feel overwhelming. While some countries have stringent visa policies, others are more welcoming to international workers, including Pakistanis. This guide explores some of the easiest countries for Pakistanis to secure a work visa in 2024, highlighting the visa process, eligibility, and benefits of each destination.

Why Choose Certain Countries for Work Visas?

Different countries have different visa requirements based on their economic needs, skills shortages, and policies. Some nations prioritize attracting foreign workers to fill labor gaps in fields like healthcare, IT, engineering, and hospitality. Countries that face aging populations, labor shortages, or want to boost their economy often offer easier visa processes and attractive packages for international workers.

In this blog, we’ll focus on a few destinations with relatively simple visa procedures for Pakistani citizens, considering both the ease of the application process and the potential for career growth.

1. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE, particularly cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is one of the most popular destinations for Pakistani workers due to its proximity, booming economy, and diverse job market. The country offers several types of work visas that are relatively easy to obtain, especially for skilled and semi-skilled workers.

Benefits:

• High demand for construction, hospitality, healthcare, and IT sectors.
• No income tax, allowing workers to save more.
• Accessible job market with multiple recruitment agencies.

Visa Process:

1. Job Offer: You must first secure a job offer from a UAE-based company.
2. Sponsorship: Your employer acts as your sponsor, handling most of the visa application process.
3. Medical Examination: You must pass a medical exam, which includes tests for HIV, tuberculosis, and hepatitis.
4. Work Permit and Residency Visa: After receiving a work permit, you can apply for a residency visa, typically valid for 1-2 years, renewable.

Processing Time:

The process is generally quick, often completed in 1-2 weeks if all documentation is in order.

2. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is another destination popular among Pakistani workers due to high salaries, tax-free income, and growing opportunities in industries like healthcare, education, and engineering.

Benefits:

• Attractive salary packages, especially for professionals in oil, engineering, and medicine.
• Expanding industries under Saudi Vision 2030, including tourism, healthcare, and technology.
• Easy access to Muslim holy sites for pilgrims.

Visa Process:

1. Job Offer & Sponsorship: A job offer from a Saudi employer is mandatory. The employer serves as your visa sponsor.
2. Visa Issuance: The employer applies for the visa on behalf of the employee.
3. Medical Examination: A health checkup is required as part of the visa process.
4. Iqama (Residence Permit): Upon arrival, your sponsor will apply for your Iqama, which acts as both a work and residency permit.

Processing Time:

The process can take 2-4 weeks, depending on the employer and document verification.

3. Malaysia

Malaysia is known for its multicultural environment and is home to numerous industries, including IT, manufacturing, and education, making it an attractive destination for Pakistani workers.

Benefits:

• Comparatively simple visa procedures.
• Affordable living costs and a multicultural society.
• Opportunities in sectors like education, IT, and hospitality.

Visa Process:

1. Secure Employment: A job offer from a Malaysian company is required to start the visa process.
2. Employment Pass Application: Your employer will apply for an Employment Pass on your behalf. The Employment Pass (EP) allows professionals to work legally.
3. Documentation: A valid passport, academic certificates, and a work contract are necessary.
4. Residence Permit: The Employment Pass acts as both a work and residence permit, usually valid for 1-2 years.

Processing Time:

The visa process generally takes 2-3 weeks, depending on document submission and verification.

4. Qatar

Qatar has emerged as a sought-after destination for workers from Pakistan, particularly with the recent development projects related to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Industries like construction, hospitality, and healthcare are rapidly expanding.

Benefits:

• Tax-free income and competitive salaries.
• High demand for labor in construction, hospitality, and service industries.
• Stable economy with strong expatriate communities.

Visa Process:

1. Job Offer: Obtain a job offer from a Qatari company willing to sponsor you.
2. Work Visa Sponsorship: Your employer will submit a visa application on your behalf.
3. Medical Screening: A medical examination is necessary to complete the visa process.
4. Residence Permit: Once in Qatar, your employer will help you obtain a residence permit, which also acts as your work permit.

Processing Time:

Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks.

5. Germany (Job Seeker Visa)

For skilled professionals, particularly in IT, engineering, and healthcare, Germany offers a unique visa option—the Job Seeker Visa. This visa allows you to enter Germany and search for a job, making it a favorable option for qualified Pakistani professionals.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to work in one of Europe’s strongest economies.
• High demand for skilled workers in IT, engineering, healthcare, and skilled trades.
• Comprehensive healthcare and social benefits.

Visa Process:

1. Eligibility Check: Ensure you meet the educational and professional experience requirements.
2. Job Seeker Visa Application: Apply for the Job Seeker Visa, allowing you a 6-month stay in Germany to find a job.
3. Employment: Once employed, you can convert your Job Seeker Visa to a work permit.
4. Residence Permit: Your work visa also serves as a residence permit, renewable based on employment status.

Processing Time:

The process can take 4-8 weeks as it involves extensive documentation and verification.

6. Canada (Express Entry for Skilled Workers)

Canada’s Express Entry Program is ideal for Pakistani professionals with specialized skills. Although competitive, Canada’s transparent and point-based system favors applicants with strong qualifications, making it feasible for well-qualified Pakistani candidates.

Benefits:

• Permanent Residency (PR) upon selection.
• Access to universal healthcare and social benefits.
• Opportunities in IT, engineering, finance, and healthcare sectors.

Visa Process:

1. Express Entry Profile: Create an Express Entry profile, providing details of your education, work experience, and language proficiency.
2. Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS): Your profile is ranked based on the CRS score, and candidates with higher scores receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
3. Permanent Residency Application: After receiving an ITA, submit your PR application.
4. Work Permit and Residency: Once approved, you can live and work in Canada as a permanent resident.

Processing Time:

Typically takes 6-12 months, depending on your CRS score and the specific immigration stream.

7. Turkey

Turkey is becoming a popular destination for international workers due to its growing economy, strategic location, and increasing job opportunities in sectors like education, tourism, IT, and engineering.

Benefits:

• Growing job market, particularly in teaching, IT, and engineering sectors.
• Favorable location as a bridge between Europe and Asia.
• Rich cultural history and affordable cost of living.

Visa Process:

1. Job Offer: Obtain a job offer from a Turkish employer, as the employer will initiate the work visa process.
2. Work Permit Application: Once you have a job offer, the employer submits an application to the Turkish Ministry of Labor.
3. Supporting Documents: Provide necessary documents such as your passport, degree certificates, and a work contract.
4. Residence Permit: After receiving the work permit, apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entering Turkey.

Processing Time:

The work visa process typically takes around 1-3 months, depending on the documents and the employer’s submission.

8. South Korea

South Korea is actively seeking international professionals, especially in fields like teaching, technology, and research. The country offers several visa categories, with the E-7 visa being particularly popular for skilled workers.

Benefits:

• High demand for teachers, IT specialists, and engineers.
• Advanced technology and robust healthcare system.
• Cultural exchange and growth opportunities.

Visa Process:

1. Secure Employment: You must first secure a job with a South Korean employer willing to sponsor your visa.
2. Visa Type Selection: Apply for the E-7 (special occupation) visa or the E-2 (teaching) visa, depending on your field.
3. Documentation: Submit relevant documents, including your work contract, passport, health records, and academic certificates.
4. Residency Permit: Upon arrival, register for a residency permit with the Immigration Office.

Processing Time:

The process generally takes 2-4 weeks for the E-7 or E-2 visas, depending on the type and completeness of documentation.

9. Japan

Japan has recently relaxed its visa policies to attract skilled workers from abroad. The country’s Special Skilled Worker (SSW) visa program allows for relatively straightforward entry for certain job categories, including nursing, construction, hospitality, and manufacturing.

Benefits:

• High demand for foreign workers due to labor shortages.
• Attractive salaries in technology, healthcare, and hospitality.
• Opportunities for permanent residency over time.

Visa Process:

1. Job Offer: Obtain a job offer from a Japanese employer. The employer will be responsible for sponsoring your visa.
2. Visa Type: Depending on your skills, you may apply for the SSW visa or another category that matches your profession.
3. Documentation: You will need a Certificate of Eligibility, passport, and proof of qualifications.
4. Residence Card: Once in Japan, obtain your residence card, which acts as both a work and residence permit.

Processing Time:

The entire process generally takes 1-3 months, depending on the employer and the visa type.

10. New Zealand

New Zealand offers attractive opportunities for Pakistani workers, especially those in the healthcare, IT, construction, and agriculture sectors. Its Essential Skills Work Visa is particularly popular due to its relatively straightforward requirements for skilled workers.

Benefits:

• High demand for skilled workers in various fields.
• Pathways to permanent residency for qualified individuals.
• Scenic landscapes and high quality of life.

Visa Process:

1. Job Offer: A job offer from a New Zealand employer is required to apply for the Essential Skills Work Visa.
2. Skill Level Verification: The job must fall under one of the skill categories needed in New Zealand.
3. Documentation: Submit your passport, job contract, academic qualifications, and proof of English proficiency.
4. Residence Visa Pathway: After gaining work experience, you may apply for a Skilled Migrant Category Visa for permanent residency.

Processing Time:

The process generally takes 1-3 months, depending on your qualifications and job type.

Conclusion

While securing a work visa is never entirely straightforward, choosing a country that aligns with your career field and offers a streamlined visa process can make a significant difference. Countries like Turkey, South Korea, Japan, and New Zealand provide accessible work visa pathways and the potential for a successful career abroad. Each country offers unique opportunities, so assess your career goals, skills, and long-term preferences before making a decision.