MEA cautions Indians travelling to Cambodia for employment

New Delhi, April 04, 2024: Indian citizens seeking employment opportunities in Cambodia are being ensnared by fraudulent promises, falling prey to human traffickers orchestrating illicit activities.

Reports indicate that these individuals, enticed by deceptive assurances of lucrative job prospects, find themselves coerced into engaging in online financial scams and other illegal activities.

With this alarming trend on the rise, the Ministry of External Affairs has asked Indian nationals planning their travel to Cambodia for employment are strongly advised to exercise caution and ensure they go through authorized channels and agents only.

Furthermore, MEA advise that it is imperative to conduct thorough background checks on prospective employers in Cambodia to safeguard against potential exploitation.

“In response to this distressing situation, the Ministry of External Affairs is actively collaborating with Cambodian authorities through the Indian Mission in Phnom Penh. Efforts are underway to address the issue comprehensively and extend continuous assistance to affected Indian nationals, “ the press release issued by MEA said.

“It has come to attention that Indian nationals, lured by fake promises of lucrative job opportunities in Cambodia, are falling into the trap of human traffickers. These Indian nationals are coerced to be part of online financial scams and other illegal activities."

“Indian nationals intending to visit Cambodia for employment are cautioned to do so only through authorized agents. It is also advised that the background of the prospective employer in Cambodia is checked thoroughly,” the press release further added.

Recent media reports have shed light on the dire situation, revealing that the Indian government has intervened to rescue 250 citizens in Cambodia who were coerced into participating in online scams.

These individuals were initially promised legitimate employment but found themselves compelled to partake in illegal cyber activities, said the Ministry.

However, reports say there are still hundreds of Indian nationals trapped in Cambodia and are forced to be involved in cyber-fraud schemes.

This phenomenon is part of a larger trend prevalent in Southeast Asia, where hundreds of thousands of individuals have fallen victim to human traffickers orchestrating deceptive job scams.

Most victims, often young and technologically adept, are initially offered employment opportunities before being enticed into illicit online endeavours such as money laundering, cryptocurrency fraud, and romance scams.

This distressing scenario mirrors similar rescues conducted across Southeast Asia, including recent interventions in the Philippines and Myanmar. Efforts to combat these fraudulent schemes are ongoing, with India's foreign ministry emphasizing close collaboration with Cambodian authorities to apprehend those responsible.

In the past three months alone, India has successfully rescued 75 individuals from such predicaments. However, challenges persist, with reports emerging of additional cases requiring urgent attention.

Media reported that the Indian Embassy in Phnom Penh has received 130 complaints of Indian nationals being unlawfully detained in Cambodia, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue.

In the face of these grave challenges, Indian citizens must remain vigilant and exercise caution when exploring employment opportunities abroad.

By staying informed and relying on authorized channels, individuals can mitigate the risks associated with fraudulent schemes and ensure their safety and well-being while seeking employment opportunities overseas.