Overseas work, in plain words. Every term you will be asked about.

A

Apostille

A certificate that confirms a public document, such as a birth or education certificate, is genuine so that another country can accept it. Countries that are not part of the apostille system use a longer attestation chain instead. See also: Attestation.

Attestation

The process of having a document confirmed as genuine by a series of official bodies, often ending with the destination country's embassy, so an employer or visa office will accept it. Which documents need it depends on the destination and the role.

B

Blue-collar worker

A worker whose job is mainly practical or manual, such as construction, hospitality, manufacturing, driving or care work. Many such roles also need a recognised trade skill. Learn more →

C

Consulate

An office of one country's government in another country that handles services for its own citizens and visa applications. An embassy is the main diplomatic office, usually in the capital. See also: Embassy.

Contract substitution

When the contract or terms a worker is shown at home are replaced with worse ones after arrival or just before departure. Keep a signed copy of the offer you accepted and compare it with anything you are asked to sign later. Learn more →

D

Debt bondage

A situation where a worker owes money, often for recruitment or travel costs, and is made to work to repay it on terms they cannot control. It is a recognised form of forced labour. Know exactly who is owed what, and when, before you travel. Learn more →

Demand letter / job order

A document from a foreign employer asking a recruiter to supply a stated number of workers for stated roles. In some countries the recruiter must register it with the government before recruiting.

E

Embassy

The main diplomatic office of one country in another. Your own embassy abroad can help with emergencies and lost passports, and many keep a labour or welfare officer for citizens working there. See also: Consulate.

Emigration clearance

A check, required by some source countries, that a citizen going abroad for work has a valid job offer and a licensed recruiter before they are allowed to leave. The exact name and process differ by country, so check your own government's current rules. Learn more →

Employer-pays principle

The idea, set out in International Labour Organization fair-recruitment guidance, that workers should not be charged recruitment fees or related costs; the employer should bear them. National laws differ in how they apply it, so ask who pays for each cost in writing. Learn more →

End-of-service benefit

A payment some countries require an employer to make when a long-term contract ends. Whether it applies, and how it is calculated, depends on the country and the contract.

I

Initiation Fee

EMIGRATLY's single fee, charged once a candidate's profile is complete. It is shown in US dollars with the tax that applies in your source country and the home-currency equivalent. It is separate from any visa or travel cost. Learn more →

L

Labour authority

The government body in a country that regulates work, employers and workers' complaints. Each destination page on this site names the one we found for that country, or says plainly that we found none. Learn more →

Licensed recruiter

A recruitment agency that holds a current licence from the government of the country where it recruits. You can usually check a licence on your government's own website before paying anyone. Learn more →

M

Match-or-refund guarantee

EMIGRATLY's published promise that the fee is refunded if a candidate is not matched with an employer and accepted within 90 days, with the exclusions stated. Learn more →

Medical examination

A health check, usually required before a work visa is issued, carried out by a clinic the destination country approves. The tests required differ by destination and role.

O

Offer letter

The employer's written statement of the role, pay, hours, housing, contract length and who pays for travel. Never rely on a promise made only by phone or message. Learn more →

P

Passport retention

When an employer or recruiter keeps a worker's passport. It is restricted or prohibited in many countries. Keep your passport yourself, and keep copies of every page. Learn more →

Placement

The point at which a candidate is matched with an employer contract and accepts it. EMIGRATLY tracks this as a stage on the candidate's dashboard. Learn more →

Police clearance certificate

An official document from your home authorities, and sometimes from countries you have lived in, stating whether you have a criminal record. Many work visas ask for one. Learn more →

Pre-departure orientation

A briefing on your rights, the destination's laws and customs, and who to contact abroad. Some source countries require it before you leave. Learn more →

Probation period

An initial stretch of employment, stated in the contract, during which either side can end the job on shorter notice. Check its length and the terms in your offer. Learn more →

R

Recruitment fee

Money charged to a worker in connection with getting a job. The ILO fair-recruitment guidance says workers should not bear recruitment fees or related costs. Always ask what any fee covers and get it in writing. Learn more →

Remittance

Money a worker sends home from abroad. Fees and exchange rates vary between providers, so compare the amount that arrives, not just the stated fee. Learn more →

Repatriation

A worker's return to their home country, including who pays for the flight at the end of or during a contract. Check this in your offer before you sign. Learn more →

S

Sub-agent

A person or small agency that finds candidates for a licensed recruiter, often in villages and towns. Sub-agents are a common point where informal charges appear, so confirm the licensed recruiter behind them. Learn more →

T

TAPS specialist

The named EMIGRATLY staff member who owns a candidate's file from registration to placement and is the candidate's point of contact. Learn more →

Trade test

A practical or written test that proves a skill such as welding, driving or plumbing. Some employers and destination countries require a recognised trade certificate or test before a visa. Learn more →

W

Work permit

Permission from a destination country's authorities to work there for a stated employer or period. In many countries the employer applies for it, and it may be tied to that employer. Learn more →

Work visa

The entry permission that lets a foreign worker travel to and live in a destination country for work. The type, cost and process differ by country; your specialist confirms what currently applies on your route. Learn more →

Last reviewed 7 October 2026. This glossary explains general terms and is not legal advice. Check your own government's current rules.