Article
3 min read
Author
Michał Kowalewski
Published
February 02, 2024
Last Update
July 23, 2024
Table of Contents
Essential information for a background check in Pakistan
Are background checks legal in Pakistan?
What types of background checks are illegal in Pakistan?
Types of background checks in Pakistan
When should you run employee background checks in Pakistan
Background check mistakes to avoid in Pakistan
Step-by-step guide to employee background checks in Pakistan
Employee background checks should be an integral part of your recruitment process when looking to hire in Pakistan. Although not mandatory, they are a common practice, especially in finance and healthcare industries.
Why is it so important? Screening your job applicants not only helps confirm the competencies of your new hire but also ensures a safe and reliable working environment.
In a country where the job market is so big (working-age population is set at 85.78 million) and rapidly growing, understanding how to run effective background checks will help you sift through the vast pool of candidates and find the best ones for the job.
In this article, you will discover:
An employee background check is the process of verifying a potential hire’s work history, education, professional qualifications, and any criminal records they might have. It’s particularly beneficial to run before finalizing an employment offer or signing a contract, as it ensures that the candidate meets the organization's standards and requirements.
In Pakistan, the legal framework governing background checks for employment is primarily shaped by the Data Protection Laws and the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act, 1996. The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) are key organizations involved in maintaining and regulating personal data and telecommunication records, respectively.
The duration of a background check process can vary based on the complexity of the verification required. Typically, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to complete the process. However, if you’re looking for a fast background check, Deel can handle the process in a matter of minutes.
Yes, background checks are legal in Pakistan. Pakistani law does not specifically forbid conducting background checks on job candidates, whether these checks are carried out directly by the employer or through an external agency. However, according to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) employers are required to obtain the candidate's consent before conducting a background check.
Additionally, companies running background checks should adhere to the data protection laws and avoid infringing on the candidate’s right to privacy. All information gathered must be used only for the purpose for which it was collected and should not be disclosed to unauthorized parties.
It’s also worth noting that candidates have the right to refuse to undergo pre pre-employment background check in Pakistan. However, their refusal may impact their eligibility for certain job positions, especially those that require thorough security and trustworthiness assessments.
While Pakistani regulations do not explicitly forbid employee background checks, there are certain prohibited practices that could result in legal repercussions for the employer, such as fines, potential lawsuits, and reputation damage.
In Pakistan, the scope of employment screening includes a few critical areas that will help you assess a candidate's competencies. Understanding these types can help employers tailor their screening processes to meet specific job requirements and legal standards.
Type of Check | Common in Pakistan | Reason |
---|---|---|
Employment Verification | Common | Ensures accuracy of the candidate's work history and performance. |
Criminal Record Check | Common | Crucial for assessing the candidate's legal history and ensuring workplace safety. |
Credit History Check | Less common | Less common due to privacy concerns and limited access to credit history information. |
Social Media Screening | Common | Increasingly common to gauge the candidate's professional conduct and online presence. |
Professional License Check | Common | Essential in regulated industries to verify the candidate's eligibility to practice professionally. |
Drug Testing | Less common | Industries like transportation, healthcare, law enforcement, may conduct drug tests as a part of their pre-employment screening process. |
Timing of employee background checks can play a big part in securing top talent. Ideally, these checks should occur after a conditional job offer has been extended to the candidate but before their official employment begins.
This approach ensures that all potential employees are assessed fairly and consistently, safeguarding against any inadvertent discrimination.
Additionally, certain positions, especially those involving financial responsibilities, access to sensitive information, or direct interaction with vulnerable populations, may necessitate more rigorous and immediate background investigations.
Doesn’t matter if you’re hiring employees or contractors in Pakistan, there are a few things that you shouldn’t do as an employer, when it comes to background checks. Here they are:
Below is a list of steps that employers in Pakistan should follow to ensure a legal and effective background checks:
Alternatively, you can automate this process using Deel and get a fast employee background check, with results coming in a matter of minutes.
Doing background checks with Deel has always been good to us! The process is very straightforward. I can easily send a request and receive the results right away. Fast and convenient service!
—Cynthia Le ,
Program manager
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