The advisory comes in response to a significant rise in cases where unregistered recruitment agents exploit and deceive individuals looking for overseas job opportunities, extracting exorbitant fees ranging from Rs 2-5 lakhs without proper licensing from the MEA
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India has issued a strong advisory urging job seekers to exercise caution when seeking overseas employment and emphasized the importance of utilizing the services of registered Recruiting Agents (RAs). The advisory comes in response to a significant rise in cases where unregistered recruitment agents exploit and deceive individuals looking for overseas job opportunities, extracting exorbitant fees ranging from Rs 2-5 lakhs without proper licensing from the MEA.
These fraudulent agents predominantly operate through various social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp, making it challenging for job seekers to verify their legitimacy. The MEA highlighted the prevalence of fake job offers and the unscrupulous overcharging by these illegal agents, who often communicate solely through WhatsApp, further complicating the verification process for potential job seekers.
The statement from the MEA emphasized that such unregistered agents often lure workers into hazardous and life-threatening working conditions, particularly in East European countries, certain Gulf nations, Central Asian countries, Israel, Canada, Myanmar, and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
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In alignment with the Emigration Act 1983, the MEA warned that no recruiting agent should charge prospective emigrants service fees exceeding Rs 30,000 plus GST (18%)
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Any involvement with unregistered agencies or alternative recruitment channels was cautioned against due to the inherent risks of financial fraud, unfulfilled job promises, and challenging living conditions abroad
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The MEA emphasized that engaging in overseas recruitment activities without proper registration constitutes a violation of the Emigration Act 1983 and amounts to punishable human trafficking.
In contrast, the MEA underlined that legitimate job offers come with a comprehensive Employment Contract, signed by the foreign employer, recruiting agent, and the prospective worker. This contract must explicitly outline the terms and conditions of employment, including salary and benefits. Genuine job offers should facilitate the emigration process with appropriate work visas rather than tourist visas.
To ensure the safety and authenticity of overseas job applications, the MEA recommended utilizing the services of registered RAs. These authorized agents display their license numbers prominently in their office premises and advertisements, helping potential emigrants verify their legitimacy. Prospective job seekers were also advised to cross-check the authenticity of RAs by visiting the official government website and reviewing the “List of active RA.”
In alignment with the Emigration Act 1983, the MEA warned that no recruiting agent should charge prospective emigrants service fees exceeding Rs 30,000 plus GST (18%). Any involvement with unregistered agencies or alternative recruitment channels was cautioned against due to the inherent risks of financial fraud, unfulfilled job promises, and challenging living conditions abroad. The MEA concluded by emphasizing that engaging in overseas recruitment activities without proper registration constitutes a violation of the Emigration Act 1983 and amounts to punishable human trafficking.
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