Repatriation of 1,664 Indians From Cambodia and Myanmar:…

The Indian government repatriated 1,664 citizens from Cambodia and Myanmar who fell victim to job scams. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed the Lok Sabha about measures taken against fraudulent recruitment agencies and ongoing efforts to safeguard the rights of Indian workers abroad. The government has also engaged with foreign authorities to address cyber scams and workers’ welfare in various regions.

On December 13, 2024, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reported in the Lok Sabha that the Indian government successfully repatriated 1,664 citizens who had fallen victim to job scams in Cambodia and Myanmar. In response to Telugu Desam Party MP Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy’s concerns about the plight of Indian migrant workers, Jaishankar outlined the government’s proactive measures, which included revoking the licenses of fraudulent recruitment agencies and calling for legal actions against those involved in these scams. He noted the prevalence of online job frauds in Southeast Asia, where unsuspecting individuals were lured into illegal work environments. Specifically, he mentioned that 1,167 Indians were brought back from Cambodia, and 497 were repatriated from Myanmar.

Furthermore, the minister emphasized ongoing communication with the governments of Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos to address these cyber frauds. In addition to combating scams in Southeast Asia, Jaishankar acknowledged other challenges faced by workers in West Asia, including wage issues and mistreatment. He highlighted that Indian embassies abroad are engaging in open houses and closely monitoring the conditions of Indian professionals overseas. As of December 8, a total of 2,164 recruiting agencies were registered on the government’s eMigrate portal, emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of Indian workers.

The alarming issue of job scams targeting Indian citizens overseas has become increasingly prevalent, particularly in Southeast Asia. Fraudulent advertisements on the internet lure potential workers into deceptive offers, leading them to illegal employment situations in countries such as Cambodia and Myanmar. The Indian government has recognized the need for protective measures and has been working to mitigate risks for its citizens by cooperating with foreign governments and regulating recruiting agencies involved in these scams. The government also addresses issues faced by migrant workers in other regions such as the Gulf and Middle East, where there are concerns regarding underpayment and maltreatment.

In conclusion, the Indian government’s efforts to combat job scams have led to the successful repatriation of over 1,600 citizens deceived by fraudulent job offers in Southeast Asia. The government is taking comprehensive measures, including the cancellation of licenses for illegal recruiting agencies and close collaboration with foreign governments. These actions underscore the commitment to protecting Indian professionals and ensuring their rights are upheld while working abroad.

Original Source: indianexpress.com