Start from the arrival date, not the job ad
When an employer asks for 120 workers, the first question we ask is when the first group must be on site. Everything else is worked backwards from that date: the permit window in your country, the medical and emigration steps in Pakistan, and how many people your accommodation can take at once. A batch that arrives all on one day is rarely the right plan. Two or three waves of 30–60 people are easier to receive, train and house.
Weeks 1–2: demand, feasibility and trade definition
You send the demand: trades, numbers, salary, working hours, accommodation, food and transport arrangements, and contract length. We reply in writing within one business day with what is realistic for each trade at that salary. This is where vague titles get fixed. “General worker” becomes shuttering carpenter, steel fixer or helper, because each one is tested differently and each one is recognised differently by permit authorities.
- Agree the trade test for each role before sourcing starts.
- Agree who interviews: your site engineer in person, by video, or on recorded test videos.
- Send the documents your country's permit process needs from you, so both sides run in parallel.
Weeks 2–4: sourcing, trade testing and selection
We source against each trade and trade-test every candidate before you see a CV. For a batch, plan on testing more people than you need: a reserve of 15–20% covers medical failures and late withdrawals without restarting the search. Interview rounds go fastest when the employer blocks two or three fixed days, rather than reviewing candidates one at a time.
Weeks 4–8: permits, medicals and emigration clearance
This stage depends most on your country. Gulf work visas are usually quicker; European work permits follow the local authority's timetable. In Pakistan, selected workers complete the medical your destination requires, sign the contract, and clear emigration with the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment before departure. We schedule these in groups so each wave is ready together.
Weeks 6–10: flights and arrival
Waves fly on fixed dates with a named group leader for each flight. Before departure each worker receives a short briefing on the site, the contract terms, accommodation rules and who to contact on arrival. On your side, have the accommodation ready, the first week's induction planned, and a supervisor who will meet the group.
What a realistic plan looks like
For a Gulf construction project, the first wave of a 100-person batch can often arrive in about six to eight weeks from a clear demand. For European corridors, add the time your permit authority takes. We would rather give you a realistic date in writing than a fast one that slips.
Frequently asked questions
How many workers can you deploy in one batch?
Batches of 50–200 are normal. We usually recommend two or three arrival waves so accommodation, induction and supervision are not overloaded.
Do we need to interview every worker?
No. You can interview in person, by video, or approve from trade-test videos. Most employers interview supervisors and skilled trades and approve helpers from test results.
What happens if a selected worker fails the medical?
We keep a tested reserve of 15–20% per trade, so a replacement is ready without restarting the search.
Continue: Recruitment process · Employer checklist · Trade test guide.