Government Warns Indian Nationals of Kidnapping Risk from Fake Job Offers in Iran
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a strong advisory cautioning Indian citizens against fake job offers in Iran. The MEA noted a recent trend where Indians are lured with false employment promises, only to be kidnapped by criminal gangs upon arrival who then demand ransoms. The advisory highlights that Iran's visa-free entry for Indians is for tourism only, and any agent promising employment via this route may be colluding with criminals, urging "strictest vigilance".
Unpacked:
Several cases have surfaced in recent months, with at least four individuals—three men from Punjab and one from Kerala—reported kidnapped after being lured by fake job offers in Iran. The trend appears to be growing, prompting the Ministry of External Affairs to issue a strong advisory and warnings.
Fraudsters typically promise lucrative overseas jobs, often in countries like Australia, and instruct victims to travel via Iran using its visa-free entry for Indians. Agents, sometimes posing as immigration experts, collect large fees and arrange travel routes that lead victims into the hands of criminal gangs upon arrival.
The Ministry of External Affairs has issued advisories warning citizens to verify job offers through official channels and avoid tourism visas for employment. In reported cases, the Indian embassy has coordinated with local Iranian authorities for rescue operations. Police have registered FIRs against implicated agents in India.
Yes, similar scams have targeted Indians in Southeast Asian countries, where nearly 300 citizens were lured with fake job offers and forced into fraudulent activities or cybercrime. Indian embassies have coordinated rescues and urged job seekers to verify overseas employment offers to avoid falling victim to such scams.