'Beware of fake agents', MEA warns Indian nationals of job scams in Laos, Cambodia

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• May 17, 2024 | Pinaki Goswami

The MEA warned that individuals who fall target to these fraudulent schemes may find themselves in distressing situations...

Digital Desk: In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has advised all Indian nationals planning to work in Cambodia and surrounding areas to exercise extreme caution. The ministry highlighted the prevalence of fake agents in the region, emphasizing that individuals should only consider job opportunities through agents authorized by the MEA to avoid exploitation.

The MEA has raised alarms about the tactics used by fraudulent agents. "Instances have also come to notice recently wherein Indian nationals are being lured for employment through Thailand in Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) - also known as Laos. These fake jobs are for posts such as 'Digital Sales and Marketing Executives' or 'Customer Support Service' by dubious companies involved in call-center scams and cryptocurrency fraud in Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone in Laos," the statement read.

These deceptive companies have agents stationed in various locations, including Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore, and India, actively targeting Indian citizens for recruitment. The recruitment process typically involves a simple interview and a typing test, with companies enticing candidates with appealing pay packages, promises of hotel accommodations, return air tickets, and assistance with visa procedures. 

However, the MEA warned that individuals who fall target to these fraudulent schemes may find themselves in distressing situations, forced to work under harsh conditions, and subjected to physical and mental torment by criminal syndicates.

The ministry clarified that the Visa on Arrival in Thailand or Laos does not authorize employment. Additionally, Laos authorities do not issue work permits to Indian nationals arriving in the nation on such visas.

Accordingly, Indian nationals were urged to exercise vigilance against deceptive or exploitative job offers. The MEA advised individuals to thoroughly verify job details and seek assistance from the Indian Embassy for any necessary help or clarification.

The statement also stressed the severe consequences of involvement in human trafficking crimes, noting that convicted individuals in Laos have been sentenced to up to 18 years in prison. "Indian nationals are advised not to get enticed and entrapped in such fraudulent or exploitative job offers and are requested to exercise extreme caution and verify the antecedents of recruiting agents as well as any company before taking up any job offer in Laos," the MEA said.