In a Lok Sabha session, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar reported the return of 1,664 Indians from Cambodia and Myanmar who were victims of job scams. The government has cancelled recruitment licenses and is pursuing legal action against the offenders. Ongoing collaboration with Southeast Asian governments is aimed at preventing further scams. Jaishankar also highlighted issues faced by Indian workers in the Gulf and Middle Eastern regions, detailing the government’s support mechanisms for expatriates.
In a recent statement in Lok Sabha, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar announced the successful repatriation of 1,664 Indian nationals who had fallen victim to job scams in Cambodia and Myanmar. This response came during an exchange with Telugu Desam Party MP Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy, who raised concerns regarding the plight of Indian migrant workers. Dr. Jaishankar elaborated that the government has not only cancelled the licenses of the agencies responsible for these fraudulent activities but has also initiated measures for the prosecution of the perpetrators involved in these deceptive job offers.
Dr. Jaishankar detailed that the fraudulent jobs often advertised through online platforms have lured individuals to South East Asian countries, where they are coerced into working under illegal and exploitative conditions. Specifically, he noted that 1,167 Indians were brought back from Cambodia and 497 from Myanmar as part of the government’s vigilant efforts to address this pressing issue. Furthermore, he emphasized that the Indian government is actively collaborating with the governments of Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos to combat these cyber crimes, and measures are in place to block websites that promote such illicit job offers.
Addressing additional concerns, Dr. Jaishankar highlighted the distinct challenges faced by Indian citizens in regions such as West Asia, the Gulf, and the Middle East, where issues of wage theft, underpayment, and maltreatment have arisen. In this context, Indian embassies are conducting open houses and maintaining close monitoring of the circumstances affecting Indian workers abroad to safeguard their interests. As of December 8, there are a total of 2,164 registered recruiting agencies on the eMigrate portal, which facilitates the safe international mobility of Indian professionals.
The issue of job scams targeting Indian nationals, particularly in Southeast Asia, has prompted significant governmental action. These scams often promise lucrative job opportunities but lead to exploitative work situations and even trafficking. The Indian government has taken steps to address these challenges by increasing its vigilance and cooperation with foreign governments to protect its citizens abroad. This proactive approach is essential for curbing the activities of fraudulent recruiting agencies and ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian migrant workers.
The Indian government’s swift action in repatriating 1,664 citizens from Cambodia and Myanmar underscores a growing commitment to protecting migrant workers from job scams. By collaborating with foreign governments and taking preventive measures against fraudulent recruitment agencies, the government aims to enhance the safety and conditions of Indian expatriates, especially in high-risk regions. As outlined by Dr. Jaishankar, ongoing vigilance and proactive measures are crucial for combating these scams and restoring trust in international employment opportunities for Indian nationals.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
