Diana Fernandes
Margao
As more young Goans look overseas for better job opportunities, a growing number are falling victim to fraudulent recruitment agents, often returning home financially drained and emotionally shattered.
Take the case of Martha (name changed), a jobseeker who registered with an agent in Goa promising employment in Europe. After paying around Rs 70,000 — without facing any interview or receiving details about the job — she landed abroad, only to face a harsh reality.
Within a day of taking up the job at a warehouse in Europe, she was abruptly dismissed. Her accommodation, shared with unfamiliar men, was also withdrawn. Stranded in a foreign land without a job or shelter, she soon discovered that the agent who had facilitated her travel had blocked all contact. With no one to turn to, Martha was left vulnerable and desperate. It was only with help from fellow Goans that she managed to return home — incurring even more expenses in the process.
Unfortunately, Martha’s story is not unique. Many Goans, lured by promises of lucrative overseas employment, particularly in Europe and the Middle East, are falling prey to such scams.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant recently stated that job frauds cost the state nearly Rs 100 crore annually. Authorities are now stepping up surveillance of overseas job agencies, and the NRI Commission continues to tell jobseekers to use official channels to avoid being duped.
During a recent visit to Goa, Avaneesh Shukla, Protector of Emigrants (PoE) for Karnataka and Goa under the ministry of external affairs, urged jobseekers to use the government’s eMigrate portal. This official platform provides verified information on overseas job opportunities, licensed agents, and emigration clearance procedures.
Shukla met with senior police officials to strengthen coordination among agencies and explore partnerships aimed at curbing illegal migration and protecting
vulnerable workers.
He emphasised that under Section 10 of the Emigration Act, 1983, overseas recruitment agents must hold a valid licence from the ministry of external affairs — and violating this requirement is a cognizable offence under Section 24 of the Act.
An industry expert, speaking on condition of anonymity, stressed the importance of due diligence.
“Europe is very different from the Middle East. As per regulations, recruiters are not allowed to charge candidates for jobs. Yet, many Goans take out loans to go abroad and end up in even more distress,” the expert said.
Prospective jobseekers are advised to be alert to red flags — such as being asked to pay for a job or not receiving a formal offer letter. Candidates should thoroughly research the job, verify the legitimacy of the recruitment agent, and try to connect with fellow Goans in the area before committing to anything. Asking detailed questions about employment conditions, accommodation, and other aspects is not just wise — it’s essential.
