The Ministry of external affairs (MEA) has urged persons seeking jobs abroad to use the safe and legal services of registered Recruiting Agents (RA) only.
In an advisory issued by MEA on Thursday (Dec 14, 2023) has said all registered RAs are issued a license number which is prominently displayed in their office premises and in their advertisements, including newspapers and social media.
In the advisory it has mentioned that there has been a massive rise in the number of overseas job seekers being cheated by unregistered recruitment agents by fake job offers and also overcharging to the tune of Rs. 2-5 lakhs. Adding, these unregistered/illegal agents operate without obtaining license from the MEA, which is mandatory for any recruitment for work abroad.
According to the MEA, it is reported that many illegal agents operate through Facebook, WhatsApp, text message and other such mediums. These agencies provide little or no details of their whereabouts and contacts. They usually communicate only through WhatsApp, making it difficult to ascertain the location and identity of the caller & genuineness of the job offer.
Such agents also lure workers to work in difficult and life-threatening conditions. Such cases are being reported for recruitment to work in several East European Countries, some of the Gulf countries, Central Asian countries, Israel, Canada, Myanmar and Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
What to look for?
A valid job offer is accompanied by an Employment Contract signed by the Foreign Employer, recruitment Agent, and the emigrant worker. This contract outlines the terms and conditions of the job, including salary and additional benefits. It is crucial that valid job offers facilitate emigration through an Employment or Work visa, as opposed to a tourist visa meant solely for tourism purposes. Reputable Foreign Employers typically cover expenses like airfare, boarding, lodging, and insurance.
Emigrant workers should take the initiative to familiarize themselves with the local conditions of the destination country. This valuable information can be acquired through Pre-Departure Orientation Training (PDOT) Centers or by contacting the Community Welfare Wing of the relevant Indian Embassy in the destination country.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) mandates that registered recruitment agents purchase Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY) for migrant workers. This insurance scheme provides various benefits, including a Rs. 10 Lakh sum assured in cases of death, work-related injuries, and medical expenses. The one-time premium for this coverage is Rs. 275 for two years and Rs. 375 for three years.
In adherence to the Emigration Act of 1983, recruiting agents are restricted from collecting service charges exceeding Rs. 30,000 + GST (18%) from prospective emigrants. The recruiting agent is required to issue a receipt for the amount collected. It’s emphasized that any attempt to go abroad through unregistered recruitment channels poses serious risks, including the potential for financial fraud, unfulfilled job promises, and challenging living conditions. Unregistered agencies engaging in overseas recruitment activities are sternly warned, as these actions not only violate the Emigration Act of 1983 but also constitute human trafficking, a punishable criminal offense.