'Advisory For Indian Nationals Travelling To...': Govt Warns Of Job Scams In Laos, Cambodia

The government on Friday once again warned its nationals against the increasing numbers of fraudulent jobs being offered by scammers in Southeast Asia countries, including Laos and Cambodia. In an advisory issued by the Indian Embassy in Phnom Penh, and Laos, the government warned about the presence of fake agents operating in the region, luring individuals with promises of lucrative employment opportunities.

“All Indian nationals who are traveling for jobs in Cambodia and the Southeast Asian region, are advised that there are many fake agents operating in the region, who along with agents in India, are luring people to scam companies, involved especially in cyber crimes,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement, similar to issued in then past few months.

In the latest advisory, the government in particular warns against dubious job offers in Cambodia, where scam companies, often involved in cyber crimes, exploit unsuspecting victims. Instances have surfaced wherein Indians are lured with job offers purportedly in Laos, specifically in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone.

These fake offers, for positions such as ‘Digital Sales and Marketing Executives’ and ‘Customer Support Service,’ come with enticing perks including high salaries, hotel accommodations and visa facilitation. However, people later find themselves coerced into harsh working conditions, facing physical and mental torture.

“Anybody who takes up a job in Cambodia should do so only through authorised agents approved by the Ministry of External Affairs of India. Job seekers can also approach the Embassy of India, Phnom Penh through e-mail id [email protected] and [email protected],” the MEA added.

“Victims are illegally taken across the border into Laos from Thailand and held captive to work in Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone in Laos under harsh and restrictive conditions. At times, they are taken hostages by criminal syndicates indulging in illegal activities and forced to work in strenuous conditions under constant physical and mental torture,” the advisory read.

The MEA said that the modus operandi involves recruitment processes conducted in various international locations like Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore, and India, where agents associated with dubious firms promise employment after a simple interview and typing test. The advisory also stressed that a visa on arrival in Thailand or Laos does not permit employment and the Lao authorities do not issue work permits to Indian nationals coming to Laos on such visas.

“It may be noted that tourist visa is to be used only for the purpose of tourism. Please note that those convicted of human trafficking crimes have been sentenced up to 18 years in prison in Laos. Therefore, Indian nationals are advised not to get enticed and entrapped in such fraudulent or exploitative job offers and are requested to exercise extreme caution and verify the antecedents of recruiting agents as well as any company before taking up any job offer in Laos,” it said.

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