The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a strong advisory to Indian citizens, urging them to exercise the "strictest vigilance" regarding job offers from Iran, following a series of disturbing incidents involving kidnapping and ransom demands. This warning comes in response to a rising number of cases where Indian nationals have been lured to Iran with false promises of employment, only to be abducted by criminal gangs upon arrival.

The modus operandi of these criminal enterprises involves enticing Indian job seekers with the prospect of lucrative positions or assurances of further travel to third countries for employment. However, upon reaching Iran, these individuals are kidnapped, and their families are forced to pay hefty ransoms to secure their release.

The MEA has specifically cautioned against agents promising visa-free entry into Iran for employment purposes, stating that these agents are likely working in collusion with criminal gangs. The ministry has clarified that the Iranian government only permits visa-free entry for Indian citizens for tourism. Any offers of visa-free entry for employment or other purposes should be treated with extreme suspicion.

This advisory follows a recent case where an Indian man from Delhi was allegedly kidnapped and tortured in Iran after being promised a job in Australia. The victim was lured by an agent with the promise of an Australian work visa but was instead taken to Iran and abducted, highlighting the deceptive tactics employed by these criminal networks.

In light of these incidents, the MEA has strongly advised Indian citizens to thoroughly verify any overseas job offers involving Iran and to prioritize their safety. The ministry has urged individuals not to fall for risky shortcuts or promises that seem too good to be true. It is crucial to conduct due diligence and check the credentials of foreign employers through the concerned Indian missions abroad. The antecedents of recruiting agents and the companies involved should also be carefully examined before accepting any job offer.

The Indian government has been actively working to combat fraudulent overseas job schemes, including blocking websites that promote such scams and recommending legal action against those involved in these activities. In the past year, the government has successfully rescued over 1,600 Indians from Cambodia and Myanmar who were victims of similar fake job offers.

This advisory serves as a reminder of the importance of caution and vigilance when considering overseas employment opportunities. It is essential to be aware of the risks involved and to take necessary precautions to protect oneself from falling victim to these scams.