Tourist Visa vs. Company Visa for Gulf Countries: Which One Is Right for You?
There are three ways for people to go to the Gulf countries for employment. The first way is to go on a tourist visa and find a job, then convert it to a work visa. This visa costs about three to four lakh rupees, including one month's expenses.
The second way is to buy your own visa, find a job, and transfer it to the name of a new employer. In some countries, you can also continue working on your own tourist visa. You can choose the job you want to do. This has both advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is that you can work as you please. If you want, you can give one month's notice and move to a new job. The disadvantage is that you will not receive end-of-service benefits. This means that you will not receive the money that you will receive after a few years. There are no additional facilities. This visa costs between five and six and a half lakh rupees.
Note: If you transfer your visa to the name of the company, you will receive all the facilities, including medical, end-of-service benefits, and annual tickets. Some companies also provide accommodation, transportation, and bonuses.
This visa is initially for 90 days. When you get a residence permit and renew it, it will last until you are 60 years old or until you die.
The advantage of a company visa is that you get a job from Pakistan itself. You don't have to waste your head in the Gulf. These visas are always available on the official website.
You have an interview and, in some cases, a practical exam. After you are selected, you buy your own ticket and start working as soon as you arrive in the country for which you are selected. This visa costs between two and three and a half lakh rupees.
The disadvantage of this visa is that you have to work for low wages and generally have a two-year contract. This means two years of continuous low wages.
Ultimately, the decision is up to you. For people who have a low budget and don't know anything about life except for their mother's paratha, this visa is somewhat better. They learn something or the other by going abroad.
Official jobs website: https://beoe.gov.pk/
In this article discusses the two main ways for Pakistanis to go to the Gulf countries for employment: on a tourist visa or on a company visa.
Tourist visa
The tourist visa is the most common way for Pakistanis to go to the Gulf countries. It is relatively inexpensive and easy to obtain. However, it is important to note that you cannot work on a tourist visa. If you are caught working on a tourist visa, you could be deported and banned from entering the country again.
Company visa
A company visa is obtained through a company that is hiring you to work in the Gulf countries. This is the most secure way to go to the Gulf countries for employment. You will be given a work permit and a residence permit, and you will be paid a salary. However, company visas are often more expensive than tourist visas.
Which visa is right for you?
The decision of whether to go on a tourist visa or a company visa is a personal one. There are pros and cons to both options.
Tourist visa pros:
- Inexpensive
- Easy to obtain
- Gives you the flexibility to choose your own job
Tourist visa cons:
- You cannot work on a tourist visa
- You could be deported and banned from entering the country again
Company visa pros:
- Secure
- You will be given a work permit and a residence permit
- You will be paid a salary
Company visa cons:
- More expensive
- You may have to work for a company that you don't choose