10 Things to Check Before Accepting a Gulf Job Offer

By Ammar Aslam · Updated September 29, 2026

A Gulf job can change your family's life, but a bad offer or a fake agent can cost you savings and years. Check these ten points before you sign or pay anything.

The checklist

1. Basic salary vs total salary. Gratuity and overtime often use basic salary. Read our guide on basic vs total salary.
2. Allowances in writing. Housing, transport and food: cash allowance or provided by the company?
3. Working hours and days off. The standard is 8 hours a day and 48 hours a week, with one weekly rest day.
4. Contract language and copy. Get the contract in a language you understand, and keep a copy.
5. Recruitment fees. Most GCC countries prohibit charging workers recruitment fees. Be very careful if an agent asks for large payments.
6. Licensed agent. Pakistani workers should use Overseas Employment Promoters licensed by the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment, and complete emigration registration (the "protector" process).
7. Visa type. Make sure it is an employment visa for the job offered, not a visit visa.
8. Medical insurance. Ask what the health insurance covers.
9. Annual leave and air ticket. Check how many leave days you get and whether a ticket home is included. Compare with our annual leave guide.
10. End of service. Know your gratuity rights before you start; see our gratuity calculators.

Red flags

• Travelling on a visit visa with a promise of "converting" it later.
• Your passport being kept by the agent or employer. In most GCC countries, employers are not allowed to hold workers' passports.
• An offer letter that differs from the contract you sign on arrival.
• Pressure to pay quickly or in cash with no receipt.

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