On Friday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar updated Parliament on the government’s efforts to tackle fraudulent overseas job scams targeting Indians. These scams have resulted in the illegal exploitation of many workers who were misled by promises of high-paying jobs abroad.

Jaishankar announced that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has taken proactive measures, including requesting the blocking of websites that advertise such fraudulent job opportunities. Additionally, the government has recommended legal action against those involved in these scams. “We have sought the blocking of websites promoting such fraudulent jobs and have called for prosecution in cases involving perpetrators,” Jaishankar stated during the Question Hour.

The government’s efforts have led to the successful rescue of 1,167 Indians from Cambodia and 497 from Myanmar, who were tricked into traveling to these countries by fake job offers. Once there, many of them were coerced into working illegally under harsh conditions.

Jaishankar emphasized that these scams are often run by intricate networks that target vulnerable individuals through online platforms. The government is working in coordination with law enforcement agencies to break down these networks and protect more potential victims.

In addition to addressing these fraudulent schemes, Jaishankar also spoke about ongoing issues faced by Indian workers in West Asia, the Gulf, and the Middle East. Common challenges include wage disputes, non-payment, and mistreatment of Indian workers. He reassured Parliament that Indian embassies in these regions are closely monitoring the situation and providing support to affected individuals.

To further improve worker protection, the MEA has been collaborating with local authorities to address safety concerns and tackle instances of employer misconduct. Awareness campaigns are also being conducted to educate job seekers about the risks of falling prey to such scams.

These actions represent the government’s comprehensive approach to safeguarding the welfare of Indians seeking employment abroad, combining both preventative measures and responsive interventions to ensure better protection for citizens.