A clarification has emerged regarding the practice of travelling abroad on a visit or tourist visa to look for employment and subsequently converting the visa into a work permit.
According to immigration and legal experts, it is a common misconception among people seeking employment abroad that a visit or tourist visa can easily be converted into a work visa after finding a job. Visit visas are generally issued for tourism or short-term stays and do not permit holders to take up employment.
Under immigration laws in most countries, working on a visit visa is prohibited. While some countries may allow a change of visa status under specific and stringent conditions, such provisions are not a general right or guarantee. Visa categories, conversion procedures and eligibility requirements vary from country to country.
Experts have warned that working illegally on a visit visa can expose individuals to several risks, including unpaid wages, exploitation and the loss of legal employment protections. They may also face fines, arrest or detention for violating immigration laws.
Illegal employment can also result in visa cancellation, deportation, blacklisting or restrictions on future entry. Such violations may further create difficulties in obtaining legal visas in the future.
Authorities have advised citizens not to rely on agents who claim that applicants can travel abroad on a visit visa and later have it converted into a work visa. People seeking employment abroad have been advised to verify visa requirements and conversion rules directly through the official immigration authorities of the destination country.
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