In the wake of the deportation of two Goans from the USA, who were illegally taken to Mexico under the pretext of providing jobs there, the Goa government in a sort of advisory to youths seeking employment overseas, has advised them to thoroughly verify the antecedents of the recruitment agents and company before applying for jobs.
In a chat with SHWETA KAMAT MAHATME, NRI Commissioner Adv Narendra Sawaikar admitted that there is no official mechanism to verify the authenticity of the fake agents.
The Goan: Given the increasing cases of overseas fake recruitment scams, how serious is the NRI Commission in handling this matter?
Narendra Sawaikar: The Commission is serious right from the beginning but people need to come forward. We are ready to provide all sorts of help, but unless there are complaints or the issue is brought to our notice, we are helpless. Now also in this US case, apart from the complaint in Vasco, the commission has not received any other complaints.
TG: Do you feel that our youths are falling prey to such fake recruitment agents too soon?
NS: That is what it looks like. We appeal to the parents, youths and all those who wish to travel abroad for a job, to take all due care about the agents, the place and type of job offered and the required documentation before travelling abroad. It is very important to verify the antecedents of the agents and also the company where you have applied for a job.
For many years, some people have been going outside India to work and earn a livelihood, but they're eventually duped. This is not something new. It’s just that some countries have now become serious with regard to illegal immigrants. Not just in the US, but you will find Goans stuck like this in many countries like UAE, Thailand, Canada, etc.
TG: But, is there any official mechanism in place to verify the claims of the agents?
NS: There are a lot of private agents operating without registration. But there is no mechanism to check that. We may have to develop one considering the growing concern. Youths mostly fall for these unregistered agents, proceeding directly after paying large sums of money.
I am repeating it, if these jobseekers or their families have any queries or issues, they can approach us directly for help. And will ensure that we provide them with all the required support. There are many who go on tourist visas and then work there, which is also illegal.
TG: Do you feel the lack of job opportunities in Goa is what is luring them to go for overseas jobs?
NS: I don’t think so. It’s not about jobs but about money. Compared to the Indian rupee, they are paid there in dollars or pounds, which has a much higher value. But ultimately, one has to understand, if you are illegally residing or working there, one day you will be caught.
