PANAJI
Even as job-seekers in Goa continue to lose their hard-earned money to overseas employment rackets, official action against illegal recruiters remains alarmingly thin.
Data released by the Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reveals that not a single case from the State has been referred for prosecution sanction, despite nearly 20 grievances being reported since 2023. More strikingly, only one First Information Report (FIR) has been registered by the State police during this period.
The figures show that the highest number of complaints -- 13 -- were lodged by emigrants and their family members in 2025 alone, while five complaints were reported in 2023 and another two in 2024. Of the total complaints received, just one FIR was registered in 2024. In the remaining cases, no request was made for the issuance of prosecution sanction following investigation.
“Government has been made aware of instances where dubious entities involved in fake recruitment job offers have lured Indian nationals, including youth, mostly through social media channels for overseas employment to various countries,” the MEA stated in its response.
According to the Ministry, whenever complaints regarding fraudulent recruitment activities are received from aggrieved emigrants or their relatives, friends or family members, the cases are referred to the respective State police authorities for investigation and prosecution. “As and when complaints of illegal migration are received, such matters are referred to the State police for investigation and prosecution under the relevant legal provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other legislations in place,” the Ministry said.
The MEA also noted that action in the cyber domain is initiated against illegal recruiting agents in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and State police authorities, particularly when social media platforms are used to lure victims.
However, when contacted, State government officials attributed the lack of prosecutions to stalled investigations arising from non-cooperation by victims and their family members. Officials said that in several cases, complainants disengage from the process after filing the initial complaint, making it difficult for investigating agencies to collect evidence, record statements or build a prosecutable case.
“This could be due to social pressure, fear of stigma, financial constraints, or other personal reasons,” an official said. “Such reluctance ultimately halts the investigation and prevents cases from progressing to the FIR or prosecution stage.”
The official further added that in many instances, victims eventually withdraw their complaints altogether, effectively bringing the legal process to a standstill.
