Indian Embassy alerts citizens to employment scams in Myanmar

The Indian government is again cautioning citizens about employment scams in Myanmar after rescuing individuals trapped in cybercrime rings in South Asian countries like Cambodia and Laos. This move aims to prevent Indian nationals from falling victim to fraud or illegal business activities under the guise of job offers.

The Indian Embassy in Myanmar has highlighted the presence of an international crime syndicate operating in the Myawaddy region, located on the India-Thailand border. The embassy has urged Indian citizens to exercise caution before accepting job offers in this area. In an advisory, the embassy stated, “There has been an increase in cases of Indian citizens being victimized in the Myawaddy region, which operates on the Myanmar-Thailand border. We reiterate our advice to avoid accepting any job offers without consulting the concerned Indian Embassy.”

According to the embassy, a new hotspot has been identified in the southern Fa Lu area of Myawaddy city. Here, people from countries like India, Malaysia, and the UAE are being trafficked via Thailand under the pretence of employment opportunities. The advisory stresses the importance of vigilance and warns against accepting job offers through social media or unverified sources. It advises Indian citizens to thoroughly check and verify the authenticity of foreign employers and recruitment agencies before considering any job offers.

This advisory follows the recent rescue of 13 Indians trapped in illegal work in Laos. It underscores the persistent efforts of the Indian government to protect its citizens from falling prey to such scams. Similar advisories were issued in Myanmar in 2022 and 2023, reflecting the ongoing threat of employment-related fraud in the region.

Indian nationals are urged to remain cautious and to consult with the Indian Embassy to verify job offers. By doing so, they can safeguard themselves against the risk of trafficking and exploitation. The embassy’s proactive measures aim to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian citizens seeking employment abroad.