‘Exercise strictest vigilance’: India warns Indians of fake job rackets in Iran after kidnappings, ransom cases

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday urged Indians to to exercise “strictest vigilance” about job opportunities in Iran, citing multiple incidents where citizens had been deceived with false employment promises and subsequently kidnapped.

According to the MEA, several Indians were misled with assurances of jobs in Iran or onward placement in other countries. “Upon reaching Iran, these nationals were abducted by criminal gangs and ransom demands were made to their families for release,” the ministry said in a statement.

”Upon reaching Iran, these Indian nationals have been kidnapped by criminal gangs and ransoms have been demanded from their families for securing their release,” it said.

More from World

US says it has revoked visas for Indian executives over fentanyl precursor trafficking charge Did Netanyahu warn Trump before Doha strike on Hamas? 2 leaders, 2 different stories

”In this context, all Indian citizens are strongly cautioned to exercise the strictest vigilance regarding such employment promises or offers,” the MEA said.

”In particular, it may be noted that the government of Iran allows visa-free entry to Indians only for tourism purposes. Any agents promising visa-free entry into Iran for employment or other purposes may well be in connivance with criminal gangs,” it added.

Indian citizens are therefore advised not to fall prey to such offers, the MEA said.

With inputs from agencies