Australia has recently become an increasingly popular destination for skilled workers from Pakistan. The country offers a wealth of opportunities across various sectors and also provides the chance to become an Australian citizen. For Pakistani citizens who are planning to work in Australia, the process of obtaining a work visa is an essential step, but there are also additional requirements to ensure that their job and rights are protected once they arrive.
Pakistani citizens who have secured a work visa for Australia, regardless of the type, must get their service agreement for the job in Australia validated by the respective Protectorate of Emigrants (PE) office in Pakistan before they can travel. This legal step is crucial for ensuring that their rights are safeguarded during their stay in Australia.
Once the service agreement is protected by the PE office, and the necessary stamp is placed on the passport, the Pakistani worker can enjoy several important benefits. These benefits ensure that the worker is not only legally protected but also has access to assistance if any issues arise while working in Australia.
Benefits of the Protectorate’s Stamp:
- Complete Legal Protection: The worker is fully protected under the law, ensuring that their rights as an employee in Australia are maintained.
- Support from the Pakistani Mission: The Pakistani embassy or consulate in Australia provides full support to the worker if any issues arise during their employment.
- Legal Assistance: If an employer violates the employment agreement or conditions of the Foreign Service Agreement (FSA), the worker can seek legal assistance from the Community Welfare Attache at the Pakistani embassy in Australia.
- Assistance for Family Issues: If the worker’s family faces any problems while they are working in Australia, there is support available to help resolve these issues.
Process for Obtaining the Protectorate’s Stamp:
For those who have secured direct employment in Australia, the process of protecting their employment contract is straightforward but requires several steps. The process ensures that all legal and procedural aspects are properly handled before the worker travels to Australia.
Step 1 – Documentation
The first step in the process is gathering and submitting the required documents. These documents are essential for the verification process and to ensure that everything is in order before proceeding.
- Online Registration Request for Direct Emigrants
- A valid Visa (as required by Australian immigration procedures)
- A Valid Passport
- A Computerized National Identity Card (a photocopy is acceptable)
- A Signed Employment Contract or Agreement from the employer
- Receipt of Registration Fee
- Receipt of Welfare Fund Payment
- Emigration Promotion Fee Payment
- Certificate of Insurance from the State Life Insurance Corporation (both original and a duplicate copy)
- Medical Fitness Report from an approved medical center in the respective country
Step 2 – Protector Sticker
Once the documents are verified, the intending emigrant is guided to the briefing hall, where they will receive an orientation about their rights and responsibilities in Australia. During this step, the registration is officially recorded, and the worker is assigned a registration number. A Protector Sticker is then placed on the passport, and the case is forwarded to the Protector of Emigrant for final processing.
Step 3 – Emigrant Office Signature
After the Protector Sticker is applied, the passport is signed by the Protector of Emigrant officer, who embosses the document to signify that all necessary legal protections have been granted. The passport is then forwarded for delivery to the worker.
Protector Fees for Australia Work Visa:
As of May 2025, the total fee for obtaining the Protectorate’s stamp for those who have secured direct employment in Australia is Rs9,200. This fee includes:
- Rs4,000 for the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) fund
- Rs2,500 for the Insurance Premium
- Rs2,500 for the Registration Fee
- Rs200 for the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) fee
By following this process and securing the Protectorate’s stamp, Pakistani workers ensure that their employment in Australia is legally protected, giving them peace of mind as they embark on their career opportunities abroad.
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