Overseas job seekers take note! Recruitment agents can’t charge you more than this amount
Dec 26, 2023
Overseas jobs: To address increasing exploitation and overcharging by unregistered recruitment agents, the Indian government has taken steps to safeguard overseas job seekers. In a press release dated December 14, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasised the issue of fake job offers and excessive fees, ranging from Rs 2 to 5 lakhs, imposed by unregistered agents.
MEA warns of unregistered agents exploiting job seekers abroad
According to the MEA release, it was highlighted that unregistered agents operate without the necessary licence from the Ministry of External Affairs, which is mandatory for recruiting workers for jobs abroad. These agents often use platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp, making it difficult to confirm their legitimacy and locate them. They frequently attract workers with deceptive job offers, especially in East European countries, some Gulf countries, Central Asian countries, Israel, Canada, Myanmar, and the Lao People's Democratic Republic, promising employment in challenging and risky conditions.
Government sets clear limits on fees for overseas recruitment agents
To tackle these issues, the government specified the highest fee that legitimate overseas recruitment agents can charge for consultancy on overseas job placements. As per the Emigration Act of 1983, recruiting agents cannot collect service charges beyond Rs 30,000 plus GST (18%) from potential emigrants. The recruiting agent must provide a receipt for the amount received to ensure transparency in the transaction, the press release further stated.
MEA guidance: How to identify legitimate overseas recruitment agents
The MEA also gave advice on recognising legitimate overseas recruitment agents. Job seekers should only choose registered Recruiting Agents (RAs) who visibly show their licence numbers in offices and advertisements, including newspapers and social media. To confirm an RA's authenticity, prospective emigrants are urged to visit the government website www.emigrate.gov.in and consult the "List of active RA."
Moreover, the press release described the features of a real overseas job offer. Genuine offers come with a signed employment contract involving the foreign employer, recruitment agent, and the emigrant worker. The contract should detail the job's terms, including salary and benefits. Valid job offers should allow emigration based on an employment or work visa, excluding tourist visas. Well-regarded foreign employers usually cover expenses like airfare, boarding, lodging, and insurance.
The government is taking steps to protect job seekers going abroad from exploitation by unregistered recruitment agents. The aim is to establish clear guidelines and restrictions, creating a safer and more transparent environment for those looking for job opportunities overseas.
[The Times of India]
