Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta has raised serious concerns with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar regarding youth from coastal Karnataka being deceived by fraudulent overseas job recruitment agencies.
The MP met the Union minister in New Delhi on Friday, urging stronger preventive measures to protect Indian citizens seeking employment in Gulf and South Asian countries.
Growing concern over fake recruitment networks
Capt Chowta said many young people from coastal districts travel abroad with hopes of securing stable employment. However, in recent years, several have reportedly fallen victim to cyber fraud and fake job agents, leading to distressing situations where they were left without jobs or forced into exploitative conditions.
He stressed the need for strict action against fraudulent recruitment networks and enhanced monitoring mechanisms in high-risk countries. The MP also called for structured pre-departure counselling and awareness campaigns to educate aspiring migrant workers about identifying genuine agencies.
“The ministry should focus on awareness drives about fake recruitment agencies and strengthen coordination with authorised agencies,” he said, adding that enhanced supervision systems are essential to prevent exploitation.
Cambodia rescue highlights urgency
The issue gained urgency after several youths from Karnataka, including Mangaluru, travelled to Cambodia and reportedly faced severe hardship after falling into cyber scam operations. Following intervention and sustained efforts by the Ministry of External Affairs, five youths from Mangaluru were rescued and safely repatriated to India.
The MP appreciated the timely intervention of the ministry but emphasised that preventive safeguards are crucial to ensure such incidents do not recur.
The development has drawn attention to the growing vulnerability of job-seeking youth and the importance of coordinated action between state authorities and the Centre to protect citizens abroad.