Many people contact us with the same problem: their money has been trapped in visa, passport, or overseas employment scams. They paid someone with the promise that they would be sent abroad for a job, but later discovered that the person took the money and disappeared.
This type of fraud is unfortunately becoming very common, and many victims feel helpless when they do not receive proper guidance.
The Common Scam
In many cases, a so-called agent or promoter promises to arrange:
- A visa
- An overseas job
- A passport or employment opportunity abroad
They collect large sums of money from innocent people, often promising quick processing. After receiving the payment, they either delay the process repeatedly or completely disappear.
When victims go to the local police station, they are often told that the matter does not fall within the police’s jurisdiction. Because of this response, many people feel that they have no legal option left.
The Right Platform for Such Complaints
Instead of repeatedly visiting the agent’s office or relying solely on the local police station, there is a more effective legal route.
Cases involving visa fraud, immigration fraud, or overseas employment scams can be handled under the Immigration Ordinance 1979 and related laws.
These matters can be reported to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), which deals specifically with immigration and international fraud cases.
Recommended Legal Steps
If you become a victim of visa or job fraud, you should take the following steps:
- Send a legal notice to the person who took the money, informing them that legal action will be taken.
- Avoid repeatedly visiting the person’s office or relying on verbal promises.
- Prepare a written complaint or application with the help of a lawyer.
- Submit the complaint to the relevant authorities, including FIA, which handles immigration-related fraud cases.
A properly prepared complaint containing full details and evidence can help authorities start an investigation.
Relevant Law and Punishment
Fraud related to immigration, visas, or overseas employment is a serious offence.
Under the Immigration Ordinance 1979, individuals involved in illegal immigration activities or fraudulent overseas job schemes may face severe penalties.
The punishment can include:
- Imprisonment of up to 14 years
- Heavy fines
- Or both imprisonment and fines
Because of these strict penalties, filing a proper complaint can create serious legal consequences for fraudulent agents.
Know Your Rights
Many people hesitate to take legal action because they are unsure of their rights. However, the institutions and departments created under the law exist to protect citizens and provide justice, not to intimidate them.
If someone commits fraud with you in the name of a visa or overseas job, the law provides clear mechanisms to hold them accountable.
Final Advice
Never pay large sums of money to an agent without proper verification or legal documentation. Always deal with licensed promoters or verified immigration consultants.
If you become a victim of fraud, act quickly and use the legal channels available under Pakistani law to recover your money and seek justice.
In future articles, we will also explain how to file a complaint with FIA and how the investigation process works.
If you have any questions about visa fraud or overseas employment scams, you can share them in the comments section and we will try to guide you accordingly.