Islamabad/Minsk – Pakistan and Belarus have agreed to send more than 150,000 trained and skilled Pakistani workers to Belarus. The two countries also signed agreements to boost military cooperation and trade.
According to media reports, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Belarus on an official visit. President Alexander Lukashenko warmly welcomed him. A guard of honor was presented, and national anthems of both countries were played.
After the welcome ceremony, officials from both countries signed several agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence and Belarus’s Ministry of Defence agreed to enhance military cooperation.
The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed a trade agreement. Pakistan Post and Belarus Post also signed an agreement to improve postal services.
Various MoUs were also signed in different sectors to increase cooperation.
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Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met President Lukashenko at the Palace of Independence in Minsk. They agreed to send more than 150,000 skilled Pakistani youth to Belarus and said a proper plan will be made soon.
The two leaders agreed to work together in agriculture, manufacturing of agricultural machinery, electric vehicles, buses, and food security. They also decided to strengthen defense and business-to-business ties.
They discussed trade, investment, and regional matters. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the recent progress in Pakistan-Belarus relations.
Belarus Wages and Opportunities for Pakistani Workers
In Belarus, salaries depend on the profession. On average, workers earn about USD 730 per month. IT professionals can earn between USD 750 and 1,200, while doctors and engineers make around USD 600 to 1,200. Factory workers usually earn between USD 210 and 300, and the minimum wage is USD 220. For foreign workers to qualify for a work visa, they must earn at least USD 1,100 per month.
Belarus needs skilled workers in areas like IT, healthcare, engineering, and construction. This creates good opportunities for trained Pakistani youth. The new agreement between the two countries will help Pakistani workers find jobs in these fields more easily, as both sides plan to simplify the migration process.
With a low cost of living in Belarus, workers can save more, though they will have to pay a 13% income tax and visa fees between USD 60 and 100. This partnership gives Pakistani professionals a chance to earn better wages and support Belarus’ growing economy.
Belarus Work Visa Fees and Requirements for Pakistanis
- Visa Fee: The standard consular fee for a Belarus work visa (Type D, long-term) is approximately USD 60 for Pakistani citizens. Urgent processing (within 2 days) doubles the fee to USD 120. Additional costs may apply at Minsk National Airport if no Belarusian embassy is available in Pakistan, potentially increasing fees by 50–200%. An e-visa, available from March 20, 2025, for short-term visits (not work), costs USD 60 plus a USD 6 service fee.
- Requirements:
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay, with two blank pages.
- Visa Application Form: One completed form, signed, with accurate details.
- Photograph: One passport-style photo (35×45 mm, taken within the last six months, full face, 70–80% of the photo).
- Work Permit: Issued by the employer through the Belarusian Department of Internal Affairs, proving the job cannot be filled by a local. Processing takes about 5 weeks.
- Invitation Letter: An original letter from the Belarusian employer, on letterhead, stating the job, duration, and commitment to ensure compliance with Belarusian laws.
- Financial Proof: Bank statement showing at least USD 25 per day of stay (e.g., USD 750 for 30 days), issued within the last two weeks, stamped, and signed by the bank.
- Medical Insurance: Coverage of at least USD 10,000, valid in Belarus, purchasable at the airport if needed.
- Additional Documents: May include a police clearance certificate, medical certificate, or proof of qualifications, if requested by the consular officer.
- Personal Interview: Applicants must submit documents in person at the Belarusian Embassy in Islamabad; courier submissions are not accepted.
- Highly Skilled Workers: Must have a contract guaranteeing a minimum salary of USD 1,100/month to meet visa conditions.
- Process:
- Employers initiate the work permit application with the Department of Internal Affairs.
- Once approved, applicants submit visa documents to the Belarusian Embassy in Islamabad at least three weeks in advance.
- Processing takes 5 working days (2 days for urgent requests).
- Payment is made via a deposit slip at Habib Bank Limited (Aabpara Market branch, Islamabad) after document approval.
- Upon fee confirmation, the visa is processed, and applicants are informed of collection time.
- Notes:
- The recent agreement to send 150,000 Pakistani workers may streamline processes, but specific guidelines are still being finalized.
- Work visas are typically valid for one year (two years for highly skilled roles) and renewable.
- Overstaying or violating visa rules can lead to fines up to USD 550, deportation, or a ban on re-entry.
- Registration with the local Citizenship and Migration Department is required within 5 days of arrival for stays longer than 5 days.
