Indian Government Repatriates 1,664 Nationals from Job Scams in Southeast Asia

The Indian government has repatriated 1,664 citizens who were victims of job scams in Cambodia and Myanmar. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized measures against recruitment agencies involved in fraud. Continuous monitoring and support for Indian professionals overseas are being implemented to address the ongoing issues faced by migrant workers.

The Indian government successfully repatriated 1,664 nationals who had fallen victim to online job scams in Southeast Asia, specifically from Cambodia and Myanmar, as announced by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in the Lok Sabha. Addressing concerns raised by TDP MP Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy regarding the plight of Indian migrant workers, Jaishankar elaborated on measures taken against fraudulent recruiting agencies and highlighted cross-border collaboration with concerned nations to tackle these illicit practices.

Minister Jaishankar provided a detailed account to the Lok Sabha, revealing that out of the total repatriated individuals, 1,167 were brought back from Cambodia and 497 from Myanmar. He emphasized the proactive stance of the Indian government in shutting down relevant recruitment agencies and pursuing legal action against perpetrators involved in such online scams. Furthermore, discussions were ongoing with the governments of Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos regarding the issue of job fraud.

In addition to addressing job scams in Southeast Asia, Jaishankar noted ongoing problems encountered by Indian workers in regions like the Gulf and Middle East, such as underpayment and maltreatment. The Indian embassies are actively engaging to support and protect the interests of Indian professionals abroad, including holding open houses to monitor conditions and grievances.

Currently, there are 2,164 recruiting agencies registered on India’s eMigrate portal, which the government is monitoring closely to mitigate fraudulent practices. Additionally, requests have been made to block websites that promote such deceptive job opportunities.

The issue of Indian nationals being lured into job scams abroad has been escalating, particularly in Southeast Asian countries. Such scams typically involve fraudulent job advertisements that promise lucrative employment but result in exploitation and illegal work conditions. The Indian government has been alerted to these scams and has initiated efforts to safeguard its citizens by facilitating their return and monitoring the practices of recruitment agencies. Moreover, the challenges faced by Indian migrant workers in other regions, particularly in the Gulf countries, illustrate the complex nature of overseas employment and the need for governmental oversight.

In conclusion, the Indian government’s concerted efforts in repatriating citizens victimized by job scams illustrate a strong commitment to safeguarding its nationals abroad. By collaborating with Southeast Asian governments and enhancing regulatory measures on recruitment agencies, authorities aim to prevent future occurrences of such frauds. Continuous monitoring and engagement by Indian embassies further ensure that the rights and welfare of Indian workers are protected globally.

Original Source: indianexpress.com