MEA Warns Indian Nationals Against Fake Job Offers in Iran
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a strong advisory cautioning Indian nationals about fraudulent job offers in Iran, warning citizens to remain extremely vigilant and not fall prey to such schemes.
According to the statement released by the Ministry, several cases have recently come to light where Indian citizens were misled by agents with false promises of lucrative employment opportunities in Iran. In many cases, individuals were assured that once they reached Iran, they would be transferred further to third countries for better job prospects.
However, upon arrival in Iran, these individuals fell victim to criminal gangs who kidnapped them and demanded hefty ransoms from their families back in India. The MEA has described this as a deeply concerning trend and stressed that Indian citizens must exercise utmost caution while dealing with any overseas job offers, especially related to Iran.
The advisory further clarified that while the Government of Iran does permit visa-free entry for Indian nationals, this facility is strictly limited to tourism purposes only. Any promise of visa-free entry for employment or other reasons, according to the MEA, could very well be linked to fraudulent activities and criminal networks.
The Ministry strongly advised all Indians to avoid engaging with unauthorized agents or employment brokers who may be operating in collusion with such gangs. It also urged families to verify the authenticity of job offers abroad through official government channels before allowing their members to travel.
Highlighting the seriousness of the matter, the MEA reiterated that the safety of Indian citizens remains a top priority for the Government of India. Authorities are working with their Iranian counterparts to ensure the protection of those already affected, and efforts are being made to bring the perpetrators to justice.
This is not the first time Indian nationals have been targeted abroad under the guise of false employment opportunities. In recent years, similar scams have emerged in various countries, leading to exploitation, forced labor, and in extreme cases, kidnapping.
The MEA’s message serves as a timely reminder to remain cautious. Job seekers are encouraged to always cross-check opportunities with the Protector of Emigrants (PoE) offices or the official eMigrate portal before proceeding with any overseas employment.
With rising cases of fraud, Indian nationals are urged to prioritize safety over quick opportunities and report any suspicious offers immediately.
