Gulf Job Scam Trap: Fake Agents Duping Aspirants with Bogus Visa Promises

Thousands of people from the erstwhile united district travel to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain for employment, with remittances helping their families remain financially stable. However, job seekers aspiring to work in Gulf countries are reportedly being targeted by unauthorised agents who promise lucrative jobs and collect large sums of money. In one reported case, a resident of Nimmepalli was allegedly promised a job in Israel and paid ₹3 lakh to an agent. After the promised visa did not materialise, he approached the police, following which a case was registered. In another case, five people from Jagitial district reportedly paid ₹2.30 lakh each to a travel agent and travelled to Muscat. They later alleged that there was no promised employment or proper accommodation and approached the district police seeking action.

The reported frauds include social media advertisements promising monthly salaries of ₹1.5 lakh to ₹2 lakh, while some workers allegedly receive considerably lower wages after reaching their destination. Applicants are also reportedly charged lakhs despite recruitment-related charges being much lower in legitimate cases. Some unauthorised agents allegedly collect money and disappear, while others reportedly promise work visas but send applicants on visit visas. Authorities advise job seekers to verify whether an agent has a valid Recruiting Agent Registration Certificate issued under the Ministry of External Affairs, check the employer’s credentials online, verify the visa category and retain a written employment agreement covering salary, job duties and accommodation. Applicants are also advised not to blindly trust sub-agents or claims of a “100% guaranteed visa.”