Illegal overseas recruitment busted in Mangaluru; POE Bengaluru urges caution among jobseekers
Here’s what you should do before attending any interviews for jobs abroad
Mangaluru, May 17 – In a crackdown on illegal overseas recruitment activities, Avaneesh Shukla, the Protector of Emigrants (POE), Bengaluru, under the Ministry of External Affairs, visited Mangaluru on Thursday after receiving credible information regarding unauthorised interviews being conducted for overseas job placements.
Speaking to Vartha Bharati on May 17, Shukla confirmed that two separate cases of illegal recruitment have come to light in the city. These actions, he said, were taken in close coordination with the Mangaluru City Police as part of their ongoing efforts to ensure safe and legal migration for Indian citizens.
According to Shukla, upon receiving information that a recruitment drive was about to take place in Bendoorwell, he immediately travelled to Mangaluru. By the time he reached, the planned interviews were already postponed. However, investigation revealed that the agency in question, identified as Z-Zone Consultancy, was operating without the mandatory license required under the Emigration Act, 1983.
A police case has already been registered against Z-Zone Consultancy. The POE confirmed that this agency was attempting to recruit individuals for jobs overseas without valid authorisation from the Ministry of External Affairs.
Shukla further revealed that a separate agency operating out of Pumpwell, which had been active on social media platforms for the past six months, was also caught engaging in similar illegal activities. The agency had been advertising jobs in Europe, Israel, Mauritius, and Gulf countries.
Following a joint raid with the Mangaluru Police, officials confiscated various documents including application forms that listed destinations applied for, as well as bio-data of candidates. The agency's Instagram and other social media handles were found flooded with advertisements promising overseas job opportunities.
An FIR has been registered against this agency as well, making this the third case in the last six months to be booked under the Emigration Act in Karnataka.
Prior to these two recent cases, a similar action was taken against another agency named Higher Glow Elegant Overseas Placement, also located in Bendur Valley. An FIR had been filed against this agency earlier for similar violations.
Shukla stressed that such fraudulent agencies are increasing in number and are preying on the dreams of job seekers, particularly those aiming to work abroad. He urged all citizens to verify the legitimacy of any recruitment agency before engaging with them.
Under Section 10 of the Emigration Act, 1983, no individual or organisation in India is permitted to carry out recruitment for overseas employment without a valid certificate issued by the Ministry of External Affairs. Shukla clarified that those who violate this law can be punished under Section 24 of the Act.
The punishment includes imprisonment up to two years or a fine of ₹2000. In case of a repeat offence, both the fine and imprisonment duration will be doubled.
What Should Jobseekers Do?
Shukla issued a clear advisory to all Indian citizens aspiring to work abroad. He said people must verify if the recruitment agent is registered with the Ministry of External Affairs. This can be done in two ways:
By visiting the official government website: www.emigrate.gov.in
By contacting the Protector of Emigrants (POE) Bengaluru office via email at: poebengaluru@mea.gov.in
The website also provides a complete list of registered recruitment agencies and contact details of all POE offices across India.
Help for Distressed Indian Workers Abroad
When asked about what assistance is available for Indians who may have been duped and are stranded or exploited abroad, Shukla assured that help is available.
Affected individuals can:
Email the POE office
Call the 24x7 toll-free helpline: 1800-11-3090
Even if the person stuck abroad is unable to call, their family or friends can contact the helpline. The issue will then be forwarded to the concerned POE, who will take necessary action.
Responding to a question on steps being taken to raise awareness, Shukla said that awareness programs are being actively carried out across various districts. He personally conducted a sensitisation program for the Mangaluru City Police six months ago and held a session at a local nursing college to educate students about legal migration processes.
The POE offices also collaborate with state governments and other departments to educate people and discourage them from approaching illegal agents.
Appeal to Jobseekers and Agents
In his remarks, Avaneesh Shukla made a strong appeal to all citizens and recruitment agencies.
“To all aspiring emigrants, I urge you to stay alert and approach only registered agents. If you go through an illegal agent, you are putting yourself and your family at risk,” he said.
He also sent a stern warning to agents conducting recruitment without a valid license, urging them to stop immediately and register with the Ministry if they wish to continue such work legally.
“Instead of risking legal action, come forward and work with us to ensure safe and legal migration,” he added.
Important Contacts for the Public
Official Website: www.emigrate.gov.in
Email: poebengaluru@mea.gov.in
24x7 Toll-free Helpline: 1800-11-3090
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Another North Goa nightclub sealed; Kejriwal says corruption led to fire tragedy
Panaji (PTI): As part of a crackdown against tourist establishments violating laws and safety norms in the aftermath of the Arpora fire tragedy, Goa authorities on Saturday sealed a renowned club at Vagator and revoked the fire department NOC of another club.
Cafe CO2 Goa, located on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea at Vagator beach in North Goa, was sealed. The move came two days after Goya Club, also in Vagator, was shut down for alleged violations of rules.
Elsewhere, campaigning for local body polls, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal said the fire incident at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub at Arpora, which claimed 25 lives on December 6, happened because the BJP government in the state was corrupt.
An inspection of Cafe CO2 Goa by a state government-appointed team revealed that the establishment, with a seating capacity of 250, did not possess a no-objection certificate (NOC) of the Fire and Emergency Services Department. The club, which sits atop Ozrant Cliff, also did not have structural stability, the team found.
The Fire and Emergency Services on Saturday also revoked the NOC issued to Diaz Pool Club and Bar at Anjuna as the fire extinguishers installed in the establishment were found to be inadequate, said divisional fire officer Shripad Gawas.
A notice was issued to Nitin Wadhwa, the partner of the club, he said in the order.
Campaigning at Chimbel village near Panaji in support of his party's Zilla Panchayat election candidate, Aam Aadmi Party leader Kejriwal said the nightclub fire at Arpora happened because of the "corruption of the Pramod Sawant-led state government."
"Why this fire incident happened? I read in the newspapers that the nightclub had no occupancy certificate, no building licence, no excise licence, no construction licence or trade licence. The entire club was illegal but still it was going on," he said.
"How could it go on? Couldn't Pramod Sawant or anyone else see it? I was told that hafta (bribe) was being paid," the former Delhi chief minister said.
A person can not work without bribing officials in the coastal state, Kejriwal said, alleging that officers, MLAs and even ministers are accepting bribes.
