The Tamil Nadu government has issued an advisory urging youth seeking employment abroad, particularly in Southeast Asian countries, to thoroughly verify the credentials of recruitment agents and companies before applying. This advisory follows the recent rescue of 83 Tamil youths from Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar.
These individuals had travelled on tourist visas under the guise of IT sector jobs but were coerced into illegal online activities.
Reports have emerged of Indian nationals being deceived by unregistered agents promising high-paying jobs in Laos. According to the Non-Resident Tamil Welfare Department, these candidates were illegally transported across the border from Thailand into Laos, where they were held captive and forced to work under harsh and restrictive conditions. Many were subjected to physical and mental torture by criminal syndicates.
The government highlighted that Visa on Arrival in Thailand or Laos for Indian nationals does not permit employment, emphasising that tourist visas are strictly for tourism. The advisory noted that those convicted of human trafficking in Laos face severe penalties, with sentences up to 18 years in prison.
The Tamil Nadu government strongly advised individuals to avoid falling prey to fraudulent job offers and employment scams. It stressed the importance of verifying recruitment agents and companies before travelling abroad.
Prospective employees should ensure they have an employment visa and a legitimate employment contract. They should also verify the authenticity of their visa through the Indian Embassy in the respective countries and the embassies of those countries in India.
