If you are looking for a job abroad, you need to be careful
about the recruitment agents or agencies that claim to offer you lucrative
opportunities in foreign countries. There are many fake or illegal agents or
agencies operating in India that trap unsuspecting job seekers and cheat them
of their money and documents. They often promise high salaries, free
accommodation, visa sponsorship and other benefits, but end up sending the
candidates to low-paid or hazardous jobs, or even abandoning them in a foreign
land without any support.
How to identify fake recruitment agencies in India?
There are some signs that can help you identify fake recruitment
agencies in India. Here are some of them:
- They ask for money upfront or charge exorbitant fees for
their services. They may also ask you to pay in cash or through third parties.
- They do not have a valid registration certificate from the
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) or the Protector of Emigrants (PoE). You can
check the list of registered recruitment agents on the official website of
eMigrate Application System (https://emigrate.gov.in/ext/raList.action) or MEA
(https://www.mea.gov.in/ras.htm).
- They do not have a physical office or a landline number.
They may operate from a mobile number, an email address or a social media
platform.
- They do not provide a written contract or a receipt for
the payment. They may also ask you to sign blank papers or documents with false
information.
- They do not give you clear details about the employer, the
job profile, the salary, the working conditions, the visa process and the legal
rights of the workers in the destination country.
- They pressure you to make a quick decision or threaten you
with legal action if you refuse their offer.
What are some examples of fake recruitment agencies in India?
According to various news reports, there are several fake recruitment
agencies in India that have been exposed or busted by the authorities. Here are
some examples:
- The National Recruitment Agency (NRA), which is mandated
to conduct online examination for central government recruitments, has asked
people to be aware of fake websites offering jobs in its name. It has come to
notice that some fake advertisements offering vacancies through recruitment
examinations for or by NRA are being published in websites/YouTube videos on
the Internet (for example, the fake website nragovt.online).
- The Protector of Emigrants (PoE) office in Bengaluru has
written to all the district police chiefs in Karnataka alerting them about 50
fake foreign recruitment agents/agencies, which are trapping gullible people
wishing to go overseas for employment. Of these, 17 operate in Mangaluru, 11 in
Bengaluru, four in Belagavi, three in Shivamogga, two in Hassan, one each in
Dharwad, Udupi, Davangere and Haveri districts. Besides these, nine other
illegal foreign recruitment agents/agencies are spread across the State.
- The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has warned people
looking out for jobs in Gulf and other regions to be wary about fake agents and
agencies. MEA said 29 illegal agencies were operating in both Telangana and
Andhra Pradesh. Maharashtra and Punjab top the list of fake agencies at 86 each
with Delhi trailing them closely at 85. Some of these fake agencies are
individuals, while most others are travel agencies.
- The Indian government has blocked over 100 websites for
offering fake jobs as part of its anti-fraud cyber initiative. The ministry has
urged reporting to combat rising online scams. The fake websites targeted
retirees, women, and unemployed youth in elaborate schemes.
What to do if you encounter a fake recruitment agency in India?
If you encounter a fake recruitment agency in India, you
should take the following steps:
- Do not pay any money or hand over any documents to them.
- Report them to the nearest police station or the PoE
office in your state. You can also lodge a complaint online on the eMigrate
Application System (https://emigrate.gov.in/ext/complaintRegistration.action).
- Inform your friends and relatives about the fake agency
and warn them not to fall for their trap.
- Seek legal advice or assistance from a reliable source if
you have already paid money or given documents to them.
How to find genuine recruitment agencies in India?
If you want to find genuine recruitment agencies in India,
you should follow these tips:
- Do your research before applying for any job abroad. Check
the credibility and reputation of the recruitment agent or agency, the employer
and the country of destination. You can also consult other people who have
worked abroad or seek guidance from experts or NGOs working in this field.
- Verify the registration status of the agent or agency with
MEA or PoE. You can also check their ratings and reviews on online platforms
like Trustpilot, Glassdoor, Indeed, etc.
- Ask for a written contract that clearly states the terms
and conditions of the job offer, including the salary, benefits, working hours,
visa process, etc. Read it carefully and do not sign it if you have any doubts
or queries.
- Keep copies of all the documents and receipts related to
your job application and payment. Also keep track of all the communication with
the agent or agency.
- Be aware of your rights and responsibilities as a migrant
worker. Know how to access help and support in case of any problem or emergency
in the destination country.
Conclusion
Finding a job abroad can be a rewarding experience, but it
also involves some risks and challenges. Therefore, it is important to be
cautious and vigilant while dealing with recruitment agents or agencies in
India. Do not fall for fake or illegal offers that may jeopardize your safety
and well-being. Instead, look for genuine and reliable options that can help
you achieve your career goals and aspirations.
If you know of more fake recruitment or visa agencies in
your area in India, you can add their names in the comment section below so that
everyone can be informed about them and be safe. Thanks for reading!
