Travelling to Cambodia, Laos for jobs? Read Indian Embassy advisory before moving abroad

Indian Embassy Advisory on working abroad: As Southeast Asia continues to develop, Cambodia and Laos have become increasingly attractive destinations for job seekers from around the world. Both countries offer unique opportunities across various sectors, driven by tourism, textiles, mining, tourism, and hydropower making them appealing for professionals looking to work abroad.

But before travelling abroad for jobs, you should read the advisory issued by the Indian Embassy. 

Advisory issued by Indian Embassy

• Indian Embassy asks nationals to secure employment only through authorized agents approved by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
• The advisory outlines the need for caution and lists the major risks connected to bogus job offers. 
• Job seekers are advised get in touch with the Indian Embassy in Phnom Penh. It mentioned that there have been cases documented of Indian nationals being enticed to work in Laos by Thailand.

Rise in posts of fake jobs 

The Indian Embassy in Cambodia has reported that these false job postings are for positions such as "Digital Sales and Marketing Executives" or "Customer Support Service" and are being posted by questionable businesses that are engaged in cryptocurrency and call center fraud in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone of Laos.

The Ministry of External Affairs of India advises all Indian nationals to make search the jobs through authorised agents approved by the Ministry of External Affairs of India

The Indian Embassy in Cambodia claims that agents working for these companies in cities like Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore, and India are hiring Indian nationals after just a brief interview and typing test. In exchange, they are allegedly offering high salaries, hotel reservations, return airfare, and assistance with visa processing.

In the advisory, the Indian Embassy in Cambodia stated, "Instances have also come to notice recently wherein Indian nationals are being lured for employment through Thailand in Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) - also known as Laos. These fake jobs are for posts such as of 'Digital Sales and Marketing Executives' or 'Customer Support Service' by dubious companies involved in call-centre scams and crypto-currency fraud in Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone in Laos."

Advisory further follows: 

• "Visa on Arrival in Thailand or Laos does not permit employment and the Lao authorities do not issue work permits to Indian nationals coming to Laos on such visas. It may be noted that tourist visa is to be used only for the purpose of tourism. Please note that those convicted of human trafficking crimes have been sentenced up to 18 years in prison in Laos."

• “Indian nationals are advised not to get enticed and entrapped in such fraudulent or exploitative job offers and are requested to exercise extreme caution and verify the antecedents of recruiting agents as well as any company before taking up any job offer in Laos," 

 Working closely with the Cambodian authorities, Indian Embassy have have rescued and repatriated around 250 Indians, including 75 in the past three months and is currently collaborating with agents and agencies to take action against those behind these fraudulent schemes

- With inputs from agencies

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