Most Gulf driver jobs are filled through agencies. Here is how to verify the agency's government licence and what it can legally charge.
A large share of Gulf driver jobs are filled through recruitment agencies in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Most are legitimate. Some are not. Before you pay anything or hand over your passport, check that the agency is licensed by your government.
India: check eMigrate
- Every legal overseas recruiter in India must be a Registered Recruiting Agent (RA) with the Ministry of External Affairs. Its RA licence number should appear on its office board, ads and social media posts.
- Search the "List of active RA" on the official site emigrate.gov.in. If the agency isn't there, or the licence is suspended, don't deal with it.
- Legal fee cap: a registered agent may charge a worker no more than ₹30,000 plus 18% GST as a service charge, and must give you a receipt. Anything more is overcharging.
- Complaints can be filed through eMigrate or the Ministry of External Affairs, and with the Indian embassy's labour wing in the Gulf.
Pakistan
Agencies must be licensed Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs) with the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment. Check the licence on the Bureau's website and register through the Protector of Emigrants before you travel.
Nepal
Use only agencies licensed by the Department of Foreign Employment, and make sure you get the official labour approval (work permit) before departure.
Bangladesh
Recruiting agencies must hold a licence under the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare, and workers register with BMET (Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training) before leaving.
Sri Lanka
Licensed agencies are registered with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE). Register with the SLBFE before you travel. Registration also gives you access to its welfare support.
Red flags
- No licence number, or a number that doesn't match the official list
- Large cash payments with no receipt
- "Visit visa now, work visa later" offers
- Pressure to decide today
- A salary far above the normal range for the job (see our salary guides)
- No written offer letter or contract before you pay
Before you fly
- Get the offer letter and contract in a language you understand.
- Check the visa is a work (employment) visa for the job you were promised.
- Keep copies of everything: passport, visa, contract, receipts.
- Save your embassy's helpline number in the destination country.
Read also: 10 warning signs of a fake driver job.
Common questions
The agency says it's licensed, but I can't find it online. What should I do?
Call or visit your country's emigration authority and ask. If they can't confirm the licence, don't continue.
Is a Gulf employer's own recruiter safer?
A direct offer from a known company is usually safer, but still check the company exists and that the visa is a proper work visa.
Can I get my money back from an overcharging agent?
File a complaint with your government's emigration authority with your receipts. Authorities can act against licensed agents who overcharge.
Should I register before leaving even if the agency says it's not needed?
Yes. Registering with your country's emigration authority protects you and gives you access to welfare support abroad.
Rules and fee limits are set by each government and can change. Check the official websites listed above.
