If you’ve hired a maid, cook, driver, watchman, or any other domestic worker in Punjab, you’re required to register them with the police. This guide explains how to register domestic employees with Punjab Police, why it matters, and what to expect at your local Police Khidmat Markaz.
Why Domestic Employee Registration Is Required
Whenever someone hires a servant, maid, or any other domestic worker, they are required to register that person with the police. This helps police maintain a record of non-local individuals living or working in a household, and it lets you check whether a potential employee has any criminal record before you hire them. The service falls under Punjab Police’s Registration of Private Employees (ROPE) system.
Who Needs to Register?
Any household that hires domestic help should register that person, including:
- Maids and housekeepers
- Cooks
- Drivers
- Watchmen or security guards
- Gardeners
- Any other household or private employee
Documents You Need
- Original and photocopy of the employer’s (owner’s) CNIC
- Original and photocopy of the employee’s CNIC
- A recent photograph of the employee
- An affidavit
Both the employer and the employee should be present at the time of registration.
How to Register a Domestic Employee: Step by Step
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Collect CNIC copies for both yourself and your employee, a recent photograph of the employee, and the required affidavit.
Step 2: Visit Your Nearest Police Khidmat Markaz
Go to the nearest Police Khidmat Markaz (PKM) or your local police station with your employee. You can find your nearest PKM location on the Punjab Police website.
Step 3: Request Employee Registration
Ask for the Employee Registration service at the counter. Staff will guide you through the process, which is designed to be quick and simple.
Step 4: Submit Your Documents
Hand over the required CNIC copies, photograph, and affidavit. The details are entered into the police system, which automatically checks for any criminal record on file.
Step 5: Registration Confirmation
Registration is done on the spot, usually within 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll receive confirmation that the registration is complete.
Fee and Processing Time
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Processing Fee | Free |
| Turnaround Time | Around 15 to 20 minutes |
| Mode of Delivery | On the spot, in person |
Registering Through the Tenant & Private Employees Mobile App
Punjab Police also offers a mobile app that lets employers register both tenants and household employees without visiting a Khidmat Markaz in person. One of its key features is that it alerts the employer if the person being registered has any criminal record on file with Punjab Police’s Criminal Record Office. Check the Punjab Police website for the current download link for this app, since official apps are occasionally updated or renamed.
General Police Verification: A Related, Separate Service
Employee Registration is different from General Police Verification, though both apply to domestic workers. General Police Verification is a broader certificate often used for job applications and formal verification, including for servants and maids before hiring. It requires your original CNIC or B-Form plus an affidavit, and carries a small processing fee (which varies by district and is confirmed at your local PKM), with a turnaround of about 3 working days by courier. If you specifically need a verification certificate rather than just the registration record, ask your PKM staff which service fits your situation.
Why This Matters for Employers
- It helps you know whether a potential employee has a criminal record before you hire them.
- It keeps an official record that can help authorities if a dispute or incident arises later.
- It supports broader community safety, since police maintain updated records of who is living or working in local households.
- Registered employee records can be checked using a system-generated QR code, which adds a layer of verified authenticity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee for domestic employee registration?
No. Employee Registration through a Police Khidmat Markaz is free of charge.
Does the employee need to be present in person?
Yes, both the employer and the employee are generally required to be present for registration.
How long does registration take?
It’s usually completed on the spot, within about 15 to 20 minutes.
Can I register my domestic employee online?
Punjab Police offers a Tenant & Private Employees Mobile App that lets employers register household employees without visiting in person. Check the official Punjab Police website for the current app link.
What’s the difference between Employee Registration and General Police Verification?
Employee Registration is the basic, free record-keeping step required when you hire domestic help. General Police Verification is a separate, more formal certificate, often used for job applications, that carries a small fee and takes a few working days.
What happens if I don’t register my domestic employee?
Registration is a legal requirement when hiring domestic help in Punjab. Beyond compliance, skipping it means you lose the added safety check of knowing whether your employee has any criminal record on file.
Registering your domestic employee with Punjab Police is a quick, free process that takes only a short visit to your nearest Police Khidmat Markaz. It’s a simple step that adds a real layer of safety for your household.
