The Government of India on Tuesday issued a strong advisory cautioning Indian nationals against fraudulent job offers in Iran after multiple reports surfaced of citizens being duped and later kidnapped by criminal gangs.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that several Indians were lured with false promises of lucrative employment or onward placement in third countries. “Upon arrival in Iran, many of these individuals were kidnapped by criminal groups, with ransom demands made for their release,” the ministry said. The advisory clarified that visa-free entry for Indian citizens is permitted by Iran only for tourism purposes, not employment. “Any agents promising visa-free entry into Iran for employment or other purposes may well be in connivance with criminal gangs,” the MEA warned, urging citizens to exercise strict vigilance.
In Guwahati, placement agencies and recruitment consultants said the advisory would serve as an eye-opener for job seekers in Assam’s growing overseas employment market. With many youths from the region aspiring for foreign jobs, local experts stressed the need for thorough verification of recruitment channels to prevent exploitation. The government reiterated that it remains committed to ensuring the safety of Indians abroad and is closely monitoring the situation.
