Key Takeaways
- The MEA issued an advisory warning against illegal recruiting agents in Kerala.
- Job seekers should only use registered Recruiting Agents with a visible license number.
- The Emigration Act 1983 caps recruitment fees at Rs 30,000 + GST (18%) and mandates receipts.
- Fraudulent agents often operate via WhatsApp and social media, making verification difficult.
Thiruvananthapuram: In view of the large number of cheating cases against illegal recruiting agents by overseas employment seekers, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued an advisory against such recruiting agents in Kerala.
It has been noticed that there has been a huge rise in the number of cheating cases against illegal recruiting agents for offering fake jobs in Canada, Israel, and Europe, a statement said.
These illegal agents operate without obtaining a license from the Ministry of External Affairs, which is mandatory for any recruitment for work abroad.
It is reported that many illegal agents operate through Facebook and WhatsApp. 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 and the genuineness of the job offer.
In view of the above, persons seeking jobs abroad are requested to use the services of registered Recruiting Agents (RA) only. All registered RAs are issued a license number, which is prominently displayed in their office premises and in their advertisements, including in newspapers and social media.
Prospective emigrants are advised to cross-check the genuineness of the RA by visiting the government website www.emigrate.gov.in and clicking the link “List of active RA”.
As per the Emigration Act 1983, no recruiting agent shall collect more than Rs 30,000 + GST (18%) from a prospective emigrant for its services.
The agent must also provide a receipt for the amount collected, ensuring transparency and protection for job seekers.
Going abroad through any other channel of recruitment involves a serious risk of being defrauded of money, not landing the promised job, and difficult living conditions abroad.
All unregistered agencies are being warned not to involve themselves in overseas recruitment activities. Such activities are in violation of the Emigration Act 1983 and amount to human trafficking, which is a punishable criminal offense.
