Employer of Record (EOR) Pakistan

An Employer of Record Pakistan serves as the official employer of a worker in the country. Commonly known as a Global Professional Employer Organization (Global PEO), this role encompasses overseeing various employment aspects, ensuring strict adherence to local labor laws and regulations. The responsibilities involve managing key functions such as payroll, taxes, legally mandated benefits, and the creation of employment contracts.

The Employer of Record (EOR) Pakistan is tasked with:

• Ensuring strict compliance with the country’s labor laws for the worker’s employment.
• Overseeing the local payroll processes.
• Managing the filing of employment-related taxes and essential documentation.
• Providing the worker with detailed payslips.
• Ensuring the timely distribution of the worker’s salary payments.

Simplify your global expansion through our Global PEO services, offering a hassle-free solution without the need for entity setup. As your Employer of Record Pakistan, Mercans guarantees legal presence, compliance, and Intellectual Property protection, allowing your business to concentrate on its core functions. Enable a smooth global mobility experience, including work visas, while building a diverse and effective global workforce. Choose Mercans as your Employer of Record Pakistan for a compliant and efficient employment journey for your global workforce.

Things you need to know before hiring in Pakistan

Employment Contracts in Pakistan

When reviewing your appointment letter, it’s essential to take into account the following aspects.

Job Description/ Responsibilities

Ensure that the job responsibilities align with what was advertised and discussed during the interviews. Check if there are any additional responsibilities not initially mentioned.

Salary

Examine your basic and gross salary. Confirm that your consolidated or gross salary meets or exceeds the stipulated amount, such as Rs. 15,000 per month (in Punjab, KPK, and Balochistan) or Rs. 14,000 (in Sindh province). Consider allowances like house rent and conveyance/utility.

Probationary Period

Understand the required probation period before your service is confirmed. In the private sector, this period is typically three to six months, while in the public sector, it may extend to one to two years. Check if the probationary period is extendable.

Termination of Service

After the confirmation of your service, your employer can terminate your services at any time with a 30-day notice or by providing 30-day pay in lieu of notice. You also have the right to resign by giving a 30-day notice or surrendering 30-day pay.

Transferability of Services

Determine whether your services can be transferred to other sections/departments of the organization. This can provide diversified experience but may limit specialization in your desired field.

Confidentiality Agreement

Check if there is a confidentiality agreement, preventing you from associating with a similar business during your employment and prohibiting the disclosure of organization-related information to competitors, even after termination.

Leaves, Retirement Benefits, Medical Facilities

Ensure that provisions related to leaves, retirement benefits, and medical facilities align with labor laws or the company’s policy.

In addition to the mentioned factors, your employment contract/appointment letter should explicitly state whether it will be governed by general labor laws or specific ones like the mining labor code, newspaper employees act, or road transport employees act. If the contract terms differ from labor laws, the contract takes precedence, so it’s crucial to assess the alignment with labor law provisions.

Probation Period

In the private sector, this period typically spans three to six months, while in the public sector, it extends to one to two years. Another aspect to consider is whether the probationary period is subject to extension. It’s important to note that services can be terminated during this period without prior notice or providing a reason. The probationary period, as per the mentioned laws, is limited to three months.

Notice Period

Both employees and employers are obliged to provide a one-month notice period when terminating an employment contract. Notably, temporary workers are exempt from this notice requirement. In cases where advanced notice is not given, the employer is required to offer compensation equal to one month’s salary.

Working Hours and Overtime Compensation

As per legal regulations, standard daily working hours amount to 9 hours, inclusive of a one-hour break for lunch and prayer. However, with overtime, daily working hours can be extended up to 12 hours. The weekly limit for regular working hours is set at 48 hours, and with overtime, it extends to 56 hours per week.

Employees vs Independent Contractors

Payroll in Pakistan

Minimum Wages

The minimum wages in Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan, have been updated, effective from July 1, 2023. The national minimum wage for unskilled work has been raised from PKR 25,000 to PKR 32,000 per month.

Payroll Cycle

In Pakistan, payroll frequency may occur daily, weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly, with the requirement that employees receive their salaries at least once a month.

Mercans’ Payroll Capabilities in Pakistan

Managing payroll in Pakistan requires a nuanced approach, and Mercans excels in providing meticulous attention and comprehensive solutions through its Employer of Record services.

The payroll cycle in Pakistan typically operates on various frequencies, including daily, weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly. However, the employee must be paid at least once a month, and Mercans ensures precision and compliance in this process.

In the context of Pakistan, paying salaries in the local currency not only enhances convenience for employees but also minimizes complexities related to currency exchange. Mercans facilitates seamless multi-country payment solutions, aligning with the local currency requirements.

Whether it’s setting up payroll systems, processing salaries, managing leave balances, or ensuring statutory filings and payments, Mercans’ EOR services efficiently handle every aspect of payroll administration in Pakistan.

Compliance with local regulations is paramount, and Mercans provides unwavering support to ensure strict adherence to Pakistani labor laws and statutory requirements.

As your trusted payroll partner in Pakistan, Mercans leverages its expertise in Employer of Record services to manage multi-country payroll, delivering accuracy and efficiency across various locations in the country.

Social Security in Pakistan

The employer’s expenses are typically calculated within the range of 16.7-22.7%, plus additional fees based on the employee’s salary. Breakdown of contributions includes:

• Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution (SESSI) – 6.00%, applicable only for salaries below PKR 30,000.
• Gratuity Fund Contribution – 8.33%
• Life insurance – PKR 608
• EOBI (Employee-Old-Age-Benefit) – PKR 1,250
• Festival Bonus/13th Salary – 8.33%

It’s important to note that certain contributions may have limitations, leading to variations in percentages.

Hiring Cost in Pakistan

In this hypothetical scenario, an employee with a gross annual salary of PKR 999,999.96 incurs additional employer costs, resulting in a total annual cost of PKR 1,188,895.92. The breakdown of the total annual employer costs includes life insurance at PKR 7,296.00, gratuity fund contribution at PKR 83,300.04, EOBI (Employee-Old-Age-Benefit) at PKR 15,000.00, and a prorated festival bonus/13th-month salary at PKR 83,300.04. These additional costs, comprising various mandatory contributions and bonuses, highlight the comprehensive financial considerations involved in employer expenses in Pakistan.

Personal Income Tax

Pakistan imposes income tax on its residents on a global scale, while non-resident individuals are taxed solely on income originating within Pakistan. This includes income received or deemed to be received, or deemed to accrue or arise within Pakistan. Salary is considered Pakistan-source income when it pertains to employment conducted in Pakistan, regardless of where it is paid.

Personal Income Tax Rates

For individuals whose income from salary exceeds 75% of taxable income:

*Pakistani rupees For other cases (individuals and associations of persons [AOPs]):

Withholding Requirements

In general, the entire tax is deducted at the source when paying salaries to individuals at the rates specified above for salaried individuals. Various withholding tax (WHT) rates apply to different goods, services, and contracts provided and executed by individuals and AOPs, based on the vendor’s status as an active taxpayer or not.

Employee Benefits in Pakistan

Statutory Leaves: 

It is crucial to address the unique aspects of the leave policy in this Islamic nation. Workers in Pakistan are entitled to specific days off and public holidays, ranging from maternity to pilgrimage leave, without facing any adverse consequences. The country has witnessed a notable increase in the workforce participation rate, rising from 32% in 2020 to 32.3% in 2021, with a significant portion engaged in the agriculture sector.

Navigating the intricacies of the leave policy in Pakistan can be challenging for foreign employers. To overcome this challenge, partnering with a global employer of record, such as Skuad, becomes essential. Skuad offers expertise in designing leave policies tailored to the Pakistani context and ensures compliance with local legislation, providing a hassle-free solution for managing a global team.

Public Holidays:

Public holidays in Pakistan differ from those in many other parts of the world. Employees have the right to abstain from work-related activities on these days, although there are instances where employers may deny leave for certain holidays. The government categorizes holidays into public, bank, and optional, totaling 10 public holidays. Employees can be absent from work without repercussions on public holidays, while banks suspend operations on bank holidays. Muslim holidays, dependent on moon sightings, may vary in dates, and optional holidays require official requests from employees.

Annual Holidays:

The law allows employers to grant leave only to eligible employees who have worked for the same organization for at least 12 consecutive months. Interruptions, including legal strikes, lockouts, illnesses, authorized leaves, or involuntary unemployment of specified durations, do not break the continuity for the purpose of determining eligibility. Annual leave in Pakistan spans 14 days, and employees are required to notify the employer in advance. Unused leave days can be carried forward to the next fiscal year.

Parental Leave:

The Maternity and Paternity Act in Pakistan, passed in 2020, ensures that new parents can take time off to care for their infants.

Maternity Leave:

Female employees are entitled to maternity leave, separate from other leave types, with full pay for up to three childbirths. The duration is 180 days for the first child, 120 days for the second, and 90 days for the third. After the third child, maternity leave may be granted as “extraordinary leave” without pay.

Paternity Leave:

Male employees can take up to 30 days of paternity leave with full pay upon the birth of their child. This leave is optional and does not affect the annual leave account. It can be taken on three separate occasions during active service.

Casual Leave:

Casual leave in Pakistan is comprehensive, covering various reasons for urgent breaks. Employees are entitled to 10 days of casual leave for personal engagements, including mourning, illness, or accidents.

Sick Leave:

Statutory minimum mandates eight days of medical leave, not carried forward at the end of the year. Accumulated sick leave cannot exceed 16 days at any one time.

Pilgrimage Leave:

Pakistan mandates special leave for religious purposes, including pilgrimages such as Hajj and Ziarat. Muslim employees have the right to leave for up to 60 days, and employers must permit it.

Reduced Working Hours During Ramadan:

In line with the Islamic context, employers must reduce working hours for Muslim staff during Ramadan. Despite the reduced hours, employees receive their full salary for the month. This reflects the commitment of the Pakistani government to accommodate religious practices in employment policies.

Termination, Resignation or Retirement

Employment dynamics involve various phases, and three significant events that mark the conclusion of an employment relationship are termination, resignation, and retirement. Each holds distinct legal implications, rights, and procedures in the context of Pakistani labor laws.

Termination of Employment:

Relevant Legislation

Termination of employment in Pakistan is governed by key statutes, with the Industrial and Commercial Employment (Standing Orders), 1968, at its core. Additional regulations include the Industrial Relations Act, 2012, and Provincial Industrial Relations Acts.

Applicability of Standing Orders Ordinance, 1968

The Standing Orders Ordinance applies to industrial and commercial establishments employing 20 or more workers, with potential extensions by provincial governments. Smaller industrial establishments have exemptions based on specific provisions.

Applicability of Standing Orders Ordinance, 1968

The Standing Orders Ordinance applies to industrial and commercial establishments employing 20 or more workers, with potential extensions by provincial governments. Smaller industrial establishments have exemptions based on specific provisions.

Termination Process

Termination can occur due to various reasons such as resignation, dismissal, or redundancy. The process involves adherence to the statutory notice periods, especially for permanent employees. Written termination letters explicitly stating the reasons, as required by the law, are essential.

Grounds for Termination

Employers can terminate employment based on valid grounds, including serious illness, inefficiency, or the financial needs of the establishment. Misconduct, with proper procedure and an opportunity for the employee to respond, is also considered a valid reason for dismissal.

Severance Pay

Workers terminated for reasons other than misconduct are entitled to severance pay or gratuity under the Standing Orders Ordinance. This gratuity is equivalent to 30 days’ wages for each completed year of service or any part thereof exceeding six months.

Resignation from Employment:

Termination by Employee

Resignation is a voluntary act initiated by the employee, indicating their intent to terminate the employment relationship. It can occur for various reasons, such as pursuing better opportunities, personal circumstances, or dissatisfaction with the current work environment.

Notice Requirements

In accordance with Standing Order 12 of the Industrial and Commercial Employment (Standing Orders), 1968, permanent employees are required to provide and be served with one-month notice before resigning. Temporary workers, badlis, and probationers are exempt from notice requirements.

Retirement from Employment:

Termination Due to Retirement

Retirement marks the conclusion of a worker’s active employment, often at a specified age. Employers may have retirement policies in place, and the retirement process involves a planned exit with benefits.

Relevant Laws

While retirement is not explicitly covered by the Standing Orders Ordinance, other laws, such as pension and provident fund regulations, may govern the retirement process.

Retirement Benefits

Employees retiring from service may be entitled to retirement benefits, including pensions or provident funds, as stipulated by the employer’s policies or relevant laws.

Work Permit in Pakistan

In Pakistan, the intricacies of securing a work visa involve collaboration between the Ministry of Interior, Pakistan Missions overseas, and the Pakistan Board of Investment (BOI). Mercans provides insights into the procedural intricacies, visa types, and essential requirements for a seamless work visa application process.

Application Process Overview:

Collaboration Between Entities

The Ministry of Interior collaborates closely with Pakistan Missions abroad to facilitate the issuance of work visas. The BOI plays a pivotal role in processing applications, ensuring their authenticity, and advising the Ministry of Interior on eligible candidates.

Recommendations and Visa Granting

Based on BOI recommendations, the Ministry of Interior grants first-time work visas to Pakistan Missions. Additionally, visa extensions are facilitated through advice from Regional Passport Offices. Foreigners can also convert their business visa to a work visa, incurring a fee of $100.

Types of Work Visas in Pakistan:

First-Time and Extension Visas

Pakistan offers two main types of work visas: first-time (new visa) and extension visas. First-time visas cater to individuals without an existing Pakistan visa, while extension visas are for those with expired visas seeking renewal.

Categories of Work Visas

These two primary work visa types give rise to multiple categories with varying application methods, durations, and requirements. Some visas last for three months, while others extend up to five years. Notable categories include:

• Standard entry work visa
• Entry work visa for the Reko Diq Project
• Standard extension work visa
• Extension work visa for the Reko Diq Project
• Chinese passport holders’ work visa

Validity Period of Work Visas

Understanding Durations: The validity periods of work visas vary according to the type:

• Entry work visa: Allows legal work for three months.
• Entry work visa (Reko Diq Project): Valid for five years, suitable for first-time entry.
• Extension work visa: Permits living and working for up to two years.
• Extension work visa (Reko Diq Project): Valid for up to three years for visa renewals.
• Chinese passport holders’ work visa: Lasts up to two years.

Work Visa Requirements:

Documentation Essentials: Compliance with specific rules and documentation is vital for obtaining a work visa. Essential documents include:

• Valid international passport
• Passport photograph
• Applicant’s Curriculum Vitae
• Contact details of the employer
• Letter of recommendation
• Company’s letterhead covering letter
• Company’s registration letter
• Employment contract signed by the employer
• Company’s full profile
• Company’s FBR NTN certificate

Application Process:

Three-Step Application: Applying for a Pakistan work permit involves a systematic three-step process:

Choose a Visa Type

Identify the suitable visa type on the official Pakistan immigration platform, considering eligibility requirements.

Prepare Essential Documents

Gather necessary documents such as a passport photograph, a valid debit or credit card, and relevant travel documents.

Apply for the Visa

Follow the online application process, create a personal account, fill out the form, pay the visa fee, and await confirmation.

Processing Time: The processing time varies based on factors such as visa type, entry frequency, and applicant location:

First-time visa entry (Reko Diq Project)

Completed within 24 hours on business days.

First-time entry

Takes 48 hours on business days.

Visa extension

Processed in four weeks for individuals with expired visas.

First-time application or extension (Somalia and Afghanistan passport holders)

Completed in four weeks.

EOR Solutions in Pakistan

• EOR for Prospective Employees: Mercans offers seamless Employer of Record (EOR) solutions for businesses that have already identified their ideal candidates in Pakistan. Our services encompass every aspect of the employee lifecycle, ensuring compliance with Pakistan labor laws and regulations.
• EOR + Recruitment: For those seeking assistance in talent acquisition, our EOR and recruitment services provide a holistic solution. We tap into our extensive network and expertise to help you find, onboard, and retain top talent, streamlining your expansion into the Pakistan market.
• Visa Sponsorship and Global Mobility: Navigating the intricacies of expatriate employment is simplified through our visa sponsorship and global mobility services. We facilitate the relocation of your international workforce, ensuring compliance with Pakistan immigration and employment laws.
• AOR for Contractor Payments: Businesses grappling with contractor payments can leverage our Assistance on Record (AOR) services. We handle the complexities of contractor payments, guaranteeing accuracy and compliance.
• Converting Freelancers to Employees: Mercans supports the transition from independent contractors to permanent employees in Pakistan. Our expertise ensures smooth conversions while adhering to legal requirements.
• HCM Integration: Integrate Mercans’ EOR services seamlessly with your HCM system in Pakistan for real-time data exchange, enhanced compliance, and cost-efficiency. Trust our expertise for a unified, compliant, and efficient approach, elevating your workforce management and payroll operations.

Top Skills on Demand in Pakistan

In response to the escalating talent shortage in the corporate sector amid economic challenges, the American freelancing platform, Upwork Global Inc., has identified the most sought-after skills for independent professionals in 2023. As Pakistan’s corporate and industrial sectors brace for challenges in the coming year, focusing on skill development becomes paramount, especially for the nation’s youth, seen as the cornerstone of its future.

According to Upwork, the top 10 in-demand tech skills encompass:

• Full Stack Development
• Front-End Development
• Back-End Development
• Mobile App Development
• Web Design
• E-commerce Website Development
• UX/UI Design
• CMS Development
• Manual Testing
• Scripting & Automation

Additionally, marketing skills like SEO, Social Media Marketing, Lead Generation, and essential Customer Service/Admin Support skills are highlighted. To tap into these opportunities, individuals are encouraged to explore online courses, video tutorials, and collaborative efforts with fellow freelancers, ensuring a strategic approach to skill acquisition and income generation.

From skill development to understanding markets and identifying business models, it is essential to develop a comprehensive plan that encompasses short-term and long-term goals. Furthermore, the evolving skills landscape in Pakistan places a spotlight on digital skills such as:

• Web Development
• Graphic Designing
• Digital Marketing
• Content Writing
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

These skills offer individuals pathways to economic growth and professional success.