The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has intensified action against alleged overseas employment fraud in Karachi.
Two men were arrested for allegedly collecting Rs760,000 from a citizen. They reportedly promised to arrange a Canadian work visa.
The arrests were made by the FIA Anti-Human Trafficking Circle in Karachi. The operation took place in Shah Latif Town.
The suspects were identified as Shehzad Ahmed Bhatti and Habib-ur-Rehman.
According to the complaint, the suspects allegedly received the money for employment documents. However, the promised visa was not provided.
The complainant reportedly sought a refund after the visa failed to materialise. He allegedly could not recover his money.
The FIA subsequently registered FIR No. 223/2026. The case was registered under Section 22(b) of the Emigration Ordinance, 1979.
The latest action highlights concerns about overseas employment fraud in Pakistan. Canada-related employment opportunities have increasingly featured in alleged scams.
Fraudsters may advertise fake jobs, work permits and immigration services online. Some schemes also reportedly involve claims about Labour Market Impact Assessments.
A separate reported case in Faisalabad involved a much larger alleged loss. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency arrested seven people in that case.
The suspects were accused of depriving a citizen of Rs14.4 million. The alleged fraud involved a Facebook page called “Canada Work Permit Visa.”
The victim reportedly paid money in installments after being promised Canadian employment. The promised work and permit arrangements allegedly did not materialise.
These cases show how a Visa Scam can begin through social media advertisements. Fraudsters may present themselves as recruiters or immigration consultants.
They may offer attractive foreign jobs and quick visa approvals. Some may also claim direct links with overseas employers.
However, Canada’s official work permit system follows formal procedures. In many cases, applicants need a genuine job offer from a Canadian employer.
Some positions require an approved LMIA before a work permit can be issued. The Canadian government also states that employers are responsible for applicable LMIA processing fees.
Canadian authorities also warn that employers and representatives cannot recover certain recruitment costs from temporary foreign workers.
Therefore, promises of guaranteed jobs or guaranteed visa approvals should be treated carefully.
For Pakistanis seeking overseas employment, verification is important. Applicants should check whether recruiters are properly authorised.
The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment regulates Overseas Employment Promoters in Pakistan. Its legal framework sets requirements for licensed promoters.
People should also verify Canadian immigration representatives through the appropriate Canadian authorities.
Applicants should avoid paying large sums based only on social media advertisements. They should independently verify job offers and employment documents.
Anyone facing a suspected Visa Scam should preserve all relevant evidence. This can include bank records, receipts and written agreements.
WhatsApp messages, emails, phone numbers and social media advertisements may also help investigators.
The FIA’s latest Karachi operation adds to broader efforts against overseas employment fraud. Authorities continue to investigate cases involving alleged financial losses.
The reported arrests do not establish guilt. The allegations will be determined through the legal process.
The case also highlights the importance of verifying overseas employment opportunities before making payments.
For prospective workers, careful verification can reduce exposure to fraudulent visa and employment offers.
In other news read more about: FIA Arrests Key Suspect in Massive Visa Scam
