Millions of Pakistanis work in the Gulf, and every year many travel for the first time on an employment visa. Airport checks for workers are stricter than for tourists, so preparing documents correctly avoids offloading and missed flights.
1. Documents to carry
- Original passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Employment visa or work permit, and a printout of the e-visa if issued electronically.
- Protector stamp from the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment, required for workers on employment visas.
- Employment contract or offer letter and any medical/biometric slips required by the destination.
- CNIC and your e-ticket.
2. One-way tickets are normal for workers
Workers usually travel on one-way tickets because the employer or visa sponsor arranges the return. Budget and Gulf carriers such as flydubai, Air Arabia, flynas, flyadeal and SalamAir, along with PIA, Airblue, AirSial and Fly Jinnah, offer one-way fares to Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Oman.
3. Choose baggage carefully
Many one-way low-cost fares include only hand baggage. If you are moving with clothes and belongings, choose a fare with 20–30 kg included or pre-book extra baggage, which is much cheaper than paying at the airport.
4. On the day of travel
Arrive at least 3 to 4 hours before the flight. Immigration officers may check your Protector, contract and visa, so keep them together in one folder. Do not carry items for other people.
Summary
Send us a photo of your visa and your preferred travel date, and we will find a one-way fare with the baggage you need and issue the ticket.
BookMyFlight Travel Desk
Written by the ticketing and visa team at O.S Travel & Tours, Blue Area, Islamabad, which books flights, Umrah and visas for travellers across Pakistan. Read more guides on the O.S Travel blog.
