The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has sounded a clarion call to Indian citizens, warning them of the insidious proliferation of job scams in Laos and Cambodia.
· In an exhaustive release the MEA implores Indian nationals intending to venture to these Southeast Asian nations to exercise the utmost vigilance and prudence.
· The prevailing modus operandi of these syndicates involves luring unsuspecting victims with enticing job offers, often promising lucrative salaries and a better standard of living.
· The advisory underscores the imperative of not succumbing to the temptation of fraudulent job offers and reiterates the necessity of exclusively engaging with authorized agents vetted by the MEA.
· Recent reports have shed light on the proliferation of deceitful practices in Laos, often facilitated through neighboring Thailand.
· Dubious companies, predominantly involved in cryptocurrency or call center fraud, lure unsuspecting job seekers with enticing job titles and promises of comprehensive benefits.
· The MEA emphasizes that visas granted upon arrival in Thailand or Laos do not confer authorization for employment.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has sounded a clarion call to Indian citizens, warning them of the insidious proliferation of job scams in Laos and Cambodia. This cautionary advisory serves as a crucial safeguard against the nefarious activities of human traffickers who prey on unsuspecting individuals under the guise of promising employment opportunities, only to ensnare them in cybercrime operations.
In an exhaustive release issued on Friday, the MEA implores Indian nationals intending to venture to these Southeast Asian nations to exercise the utmost vigilance and prudence. It emphasizes the critical importance of thoroughly scrutinizing the credentials of recruiting agents or companies to thwart the malevolent designs of criminal syndicates operating with impunity in the region.
The prevailing modus operandi of these syndicates involves luring unsuspecting victims with enticing job offers, often promising lucrative salaries and a better standard of living. However, upon arrival in the foreign country, individuals find themselves trapped in a nightmarish scenario, coerced into engaging in illicit cyber activities against their will, under the constant threat of violence and exploitation.
The advisory underscores the imperative of not succumbing to the temptation of fraudulent job offers and reiterates the necessity of exclusively engaging with authorized agents vetted by the Ministry of External Affairs for any employment endeavors in Cambodia and the wider Southeast Asian region.
The issuance of this alert by the MEA follows a distressing surge in incidents where Indian nationals, enticed by the prospect of greener pastures abroad, have fallen victim to deceptive recruitment practices. Many have narrated harrowing tales of exploitation and abuse, having been deceived by false promises of lucrative employment opportunities.
Furthermore, recent reports have shed light on the proliferation of deceitful practices in Laos, often facilitated through neighboring Thailand. Dubious companies, predominantly involved in cryptocurrency or call center fraud, lure unsuspecting job seekers with enticing job titles and promises of comprehensive benefits.
Agents associated with these fraudulent entities, operating across various global locations including Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore, and India, employ sophisticated tactics to entrap unsuspecting victims. They offer enticing inducements such as inflated salaries, accommodation arrangements, airfare coverage, and visa facilitation, only to subject individuals to appalling conditions upon arrival, including coercion into illegal activities and severe physical and psychological abuse.
Importantly, the MEA emphasizes that visas granted upon arrival in Thailand or Laos do not confer authorization for employment. Work permits are strictly reserved for individuals entering these countries for legitimate purposes, such as tourism, and are not issued to those arriving on tourist visas with intentions of seeking employment.
In light of these alarming developments, the MEA urges Indian citizens to exercise extreme caution, conduct thorough due diligence, and refrain from falling prey to the allure of seemingly lucrative job offers abroad. By remaining vigilant and informed, individuals can safeguard themselves against exploitation and abuse, thereby ensuring their safety and well-being while pursuing opportunities beyond national borders.
(With inputs from agencies)
