Government flags growing threat of trafficking networks using fake Gulf job offers

The Government has acknowledged that Indian youth are increasingly being drawn into fraudulent overseas job schemes, particularly in Gulf countries, with victims later finding themselves trapped by trafficking networks. In a recent response in Parliament, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it has received reports of such cases, many of which begin with job offers circulated through social media.

The Ministry said complaints usually reach authorities when families or friends report that individuals traveling abroad on their own have been deceived by illegal recruiters. These cases often involve unlicensed agents who promise employment but send people abroad through unlawful channels.

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“It has come to the notice of the Government instances of dubious entities involved in fake recruitment job offers having lured Indian nationals including youth mostly through social media channels for overseas employment to various countries,” The MEA stated.

The Government said it prioritises the safety of Indians seeking work abroad and is taking action against unregistered agents, while also increasing awareness campaigns to warn potential migrants of fake recruitment networks.

Under the Emigration Act, 1983, no agency can operate as a recruiting agent without a licence from the Protector General of Emigrants. The Ministry stressed that this system is designed to reduce fraud and ensure safer migration. Workers holding Emigration Check Required (ECR) passports must obtain Emigration Clearance for jobs in 19 notified countries.

When complaints are received about fake recruiters or dubious firms, the MEA forwards the information to State police for action under relevant laws, including provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. In cases involving online recruitment fraud, the Ministry works with the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), the Ministry of Home Affairs and State police. Social media posts promoting illegal recruiters are routinely shared with I4C for takedown.

The Ministry also confirmed that advisories are regularly issued through the eMigrate portal and social media to warn against fraudulent job offers. As of October 2025, 3,505 unregistered agents have been listed on the eMigrate system.

Awareness programmes include workshops, digital campaigns and training sessions for job seekers, police personnel, district officials, media groups and aspiring recruiting agents. These sessions highlight emigration rules, insurance schemes such as Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana, Pre-Departure Orientation Training, and advisories from Indian embassies. Migrant workers are urged to verify credentials of recruiting agents and avoid offers that appear suspicious.

The Ministry added that such outreach efforts aim to ensure safe and legal migration, and reduce vulnerabilities that lead to exploitation abroad.