How do I avoid overseas job fraud from India?
Overseas job fraud in India: official channels as of 30 Oct 2026. Official links checked on 30 October 2026.
Before paying any agent for a job abroad, check the agent and the foreign employer against official Government of India sources. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) publishes an advisory on overcharging, fake overseas jobs and illegal recruitment, and lists of recruiting agents. If you cannot find the agent on an official list, do not pay.
What the MEA publishes
On its overseas employment page, MEA lists:
- an advisory titled "Advisory on overcharging by agents for overseas recruitment, offering fake overseas jobs and illegal recruitment";
- district and state wise lists of active recruiting agents (RAs) and of state recruiting agents;
- a list of foreign employers in the Prior Approval Category (PAC);
- a link to the eMigrate portal.
Read the advisory itself for the rules. This page does not replace it.
Warning signs
- The agent is not on the official list, or only gives a phone number and a rented office.
- You are asked to pay large fees in cash or to a personal account.
- You are told a tourist or visit visa is enough to work.
- There is no written contract from the foreign employer, or it is not in a language you understand.
- You are told to go to another country first, then on to the real job.
Before you commit
- Look up the agent on the MEA lists and on eMigrate.
- Ask for the employer's name and verify it separately.
- Get the offer and contract in writing and read the terms.
- Keep receipts for every payment.
If you are already abroad or in trouble
MEA lists NGOs and law firms that assist distressed Indians abroad. Contact the nearest Indian mission.
FAQ
Does a registered agent guarantee a good job? No, but registration is a minimum check.
Is this immigration advice? No. It points you to official sources. See also visas from India for US options.
Numbers published by the MEA
The MEA overview of April 2026 gives these figures for complaints about illegal recruitment and trafficking:
| Year | Complaints received | Cases referred to state governments for action |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1006 | 147 |
| 2024 | 1378 | 343 |
| 2025 | 1541 | 465 |
The same document says that as on 9 April 2026, 3505 illegal agents have been notified through the eMigrate portal, and that complaints of illegal migration and trafficking are referred to the state police.
How to check before you commit, in steps
- Confirm that the agent is registered. See check a recruiting agent.
- Ask for the foreign employer's demand letter and power of attorney, as the MEA advises.
- Check that the contract is signed by you and the employer and attested by the registered agent, in English. See the overseas contract checklist.
- If you hold an ECR passport and the country is an ECR country, make sure emigration clearance is obtained. See emigration clearance.
- Do not leave on a visit visa to take up a job.
Help channels the MEA lists
The Pravasi Bhartiya Sahayata Kendra runs a 24 hour toll free helpline, 1800 11 3090, in 11 Indian languages. The MEA overview also lists WhatsApp assistance at +91 74283 21144, email at [email protected] and the X account @helplinePBSK. Overseas callers can use 011-26885021, which is chargeable. The eMigrate portal also takes complaints.
Common mistakes
- Paying first and asking questions later.
- Using a sub-agent. The MEA says sub-agents are not permitted under the Act and Rules.
- Not photographing the contract and passport pages.
- Handing over your passport to the employer without a plan to get it back. The MEA page on emigration for employment (last updated 16 May 2016) says not to surrender your passport or contract.
More questions people ask
What if I am already abroad and unpaid?
The MEA advises reporting unpaid or delayed wages to the nearest Indian mission.
Is the government watching foreign employers?
The MEA overview says employers that are found at fault can be placed under a Prior Approval Category, so hiring Indian workers through them needs consultation with the Indian mission.
Sources
- Ministry of External Affairs, Overseas employment: https://www.mea.gov.in/overseas-employment (accessed 30 Oct 2026)
- eMigrate, Government of India: https://emigrate.gov.in (accessed 30 Oct 2026)
- National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and helpline 1930, as named on Sanchar Saathi: https://cybercrime.gov.in (accessed 30 Oct 2026)
- Ministry of External Affairs, Overview of work of Overseas Employment and Protector General of Emigrants Division (21 April 2026): https://www.mea.gov.in/images/pdf/01-Overview-of-work-of-Overseas-Employment-21-04-2026.pdf (accessed 31 October 2026)
- Ministry of External Affairs, Emigration abroad for employment (page last updated 16 May 2016): https://www.mea.gov.in/emigration-abroad-for-emp (accessed 31 October 2026)
- Ministry of External Affairs, Overseas employment: https://www.mea.gov.in/overseas-employment (accessed 31 October 2026)
Next step: Report fraud.
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.