Lucknow. A large-scale risk of fraud in the name of overseas employment has come to light in Uttar Pradesh. According to the Protector of Emigrants Office in Lucknow under the Ministry of External Affairs, information about more than three lakh agencies operating in the state in the name of overseas employment has emerged, while only around 120 agencies are registered and authorised by the ministry. People travelling abroad through unauthorised agencies can face serious difficulties after reaching their destination. In several cases, job seekers are allegedly sent abroad on tourist visas in the name of employment, only to discover that the promised job is not available.
According to officials, the biggest risk for people seeking employment abroad arises when agents promise jobs, better salaries and good facilities but send applicants overseas on tourist visas. Tourist visas generally do not permit employment. As a result, after reaching another country, a person may have neither the promised employment nor an effective mechanism to enforce the commitments made by the agent. In some cases, returning to India can also become difficult.
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The Protector of Emigrants Office in Lucknow has advised people seeking overseas employment to use registered and authorised recruitment agencies. The records of such agencies are maintained by the Ministry of External Affairs. These agencies are required to operate under prescribed rules, collect applicable fees and provide information related to available overseas jobs, employers and recruitment procedures.
The overseas employment process through an authorised agency is completed in several stages. The agency is expected to have documents relating to available jobs and recruitment requirements in foreign countries. After receiving an application, the applicant’s identity, educational qualifications and other relevant documents are examined. An interview may then be conducted to assess the applicant’s suitability for the position. If the process meets the prescribed requirements, the application is forwarded for further processing.
The details are also shared with the Ministry of External Affairs. The applicant’s data is subsequently sent to the Protector of Emigrants Office. The documents and information are verified at the office level before the required immigration formalities are completed. This process also helps maintain a record of workers travelling abroad through authorised channels, making it easier to trace their details when required.
Cybercrime experts warn that fraudsters involved in overseas job scams can use fake recruitment websites, social media advertisements, WhatsApp communication, forged appointment letters and fabricated company documents. Job seekers should independently verify the employer, job profile, salary, visa category and recruitment process rather than relying solely on claims made by an agent. They should also avoid making hurried payments or sharing identity documents with unknown agencies or individuals.
Officials have advised job seekers to first verify the registration status of any recruitment agency before paying money. Details such as the employer company, appointment letter, salary, place of work and visa category should also be checked. Particular caution is required if an agent claims that a person can travel abroad on a tourist visa and obtain employment after arrival.
The list of authorised recruitment agencies can be checked through the Ministry of External Affairs’ e-Migrate portal. For information related to recruitment agencies or overseas employment, people can contact the Protector of Emigrants Office in Lucknow at 0522-2972717. The Ministry of External Affairs’ 24×7 helpline can also be reached at 1800-11-3090. Assistance is additionally available through helpline@mea.gov.in and WhatsApp number 7428321144.
The Protector of Emigrants Office in Lucknow is currently operating from the third floor of the Passport Office in Vipin Khand, Gomti Nagar. The office was earlier located in Rae Bareli. Officials have advised people not to pay money or proceed with overseas employment arrangements without first confirming that the recruitment agency is officially authorised, as doing so can expose job seekers to financial and legal risks.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
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