Hundreds of passports of overseas jobseekers seized from illegal recruiting agents in Melur
Hundreds of passports were seized in a joint raid conducted by the Protector of Emigrants (POE), Chennai, under the Union Ministry of External Affairs, and the Madurai District Police on multiple premises of illegal recruiting agents operating in Melur on Thursday.
Acting on a tip-off about the presence of several unauthorised agents in and around Melur, the officials conducted the raids. A statement said Melur had one of the highest concentrations of illegal recruiting agents in the State. Further investigations were under way.
M. Rajkumar, Protector of Emigrants for the regions of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, appealed to those seeking employment abroad to exercise utmost caution. He emphasised that the importance of securing overseas employment only through licensed recruitment agents authorised by the Ministry and only on valid work visas.
He also advised all overseas jobseekers to verify the credentials of recruitment agencies before making any financial commitments. A list of licensed recruitment agents was available at emigrate.gov.in.
The statement also issued a stern warning to individuals or entities facilitating illegal emigration that it was a punishable offence under the Emigration Act, 1983, to send Indian citizens abroad without a valid recruitment licence. Such agents must immediately halt their activities and obtain the necessary authorisation. Strict action would be taken against all violators. More raids were planned in the region in the coming months, the statement added.
The Madurai District Police had also assured the Protector of Emigrants that they would continue with regular raids and take strict action against illegal agents operating in the region.
To report illegal recruitment, cyber slavery or to apply for a valid recruitment licence, the Office of the POE, Chennai, could be contacted over 9042149222 or email poechennai@mea.gov.in, the statement added.
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