Successful Repatriation of 1,664 Indians from Job Scams in Southeast Asia

The Indian government has repatriated 1,664 nationals from Cambodia and Myanmar, who were victims of online job scams. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reported actions taken against recruiting agencies involved and emphasized the ongoing challenges faced by Indian workers abroad. Measures include blocking fraudulent job websites and ensuring the safety of Indian professionals, with 2,164 agencies registered on the eMigrate portal as of early December 2024.

On December 13, 2024, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reported in the Lok Sabha that the Indian government has successfully repatriated 1,664 nationals who had fallen victim to online job frauds in Cambodia and Myanmar. In response to a query from MP Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy regarding the welfare of Indian migrant workers, Jaishankar indicated that the government had taken decisive action by revoking the licenses of recruiting agencies implicated in these scams and had advocated for the prosecution of those responsible.

Jaishankar elaborated on the nature of these scams, emphasizing that fraudulent employment offers are frequently made through online platforms, leading individuals to work in illegal environments abroad. The government has been proactive in addressing this issue, having repatriated 1,167 individuals from Cambodia and 497 from Myanmar. Furthermore, he noted that Indian authorities are coordinating with the governments of these nations, as well as Laos, to combat the proliferation of such cyber frauds by requesting the blocking of related websites in India.

In addition, Jaishankar discussed the separate challenges encountered by Indian workers in West Asia, particularly regarding wage issues and mistreatment. The Indian embassies in these regions have been actively involved in monitoring the conditions of Indian professionals and have been tasked with ensuring their safety and rights are upheld. As of December 8, there are 2,164 recruiting agencies registered on the eMigrate portal, reflecting the government’s efforts to regulate employment services.

The growing issue of fraudulent job recruitment, particularly in Southeast Asia, has raised significant concerns regarding the safety and welfare of Indian migrant workers. Job scams in this region often involve enticing individuals with lucrative job offers that ultimately lead to exploitation in illegal working conditions. The Indian government has acknowledged these vulnerabilities and has taken steps to protect its citizens, including repatriation efforts and legal action against unscrupulous recruiting agencies.

In conclusion, the government of India has demonstrated a committed response to the alarming issue of job scams that have victimized its nationals abroad. With the successful repatriation of over 1,600 individuals and proactive measures against fraudulent agencies, the authorities are dedicated to enhancing the safety of Indian migrant workers. Continuous cooperation with foreign governments and rigorous monitoring of recruitment processes are crucial as India addresses these challenges.

Original Source: indianexpress.com