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How desperation for a better life abroad is fuelling immigration scams in India

  • Writer: manoj klumar
    manoj klumar
  • Jul 7
  • 3 min read
Victims of immigration scams are often targeted through social media and fake job offers, losing money and sometimes their freedom. (Express Image: FreePik)
Victims of immigration scams are often targeted through social media and fake job offers, losing money and sometimes their freedom. (Express Image: FreePik)

Introduction

For millions of Indians, the idea of living and working abroad represents hope—hope for higher wages, better education, safer societies, and a dignified life. But that very desperation for a better future is being exploited by a rising tide of immigration scams, costing families their life savings, identity documents, and often their freedom.

From fake job offers and forged visas to human trafficking and cyber-enabled fraud, these scams are becoming more sophisticated, widespread, and devastating.

Why Indians Are So Eager to Migrate

India ranks among the top countries in terms of emigration, with large diaspora communities in Canada, the US, the UK, Australia, and Gulf nations. Factors that push Indians to seek life abroad include:

  • Unemployment or underemployment in rural and semi-urban areas

  • Low wages despite qualifications

  • Educational aspirations for children

  • Family reunification and peer pressure from relatives already abroad

  • Political or social unrest in specific regions

This strong desire creates a fertile ground for fraudulent agents and travel firms to promise fast-track migration, easy visas, and high-paying foreign jobs.


The Mechanics of Immigration Scams

Immigration scams in India typically follow several well-established patterns:

1. Fake Job Offers

Unsuspecting victims are promised jobs in countries like Canada, the UAE, or the UK. They receive:

  • Forged offer letters

  • Bogus visa documents

  • False embassy stamps

Once the fees are paid, often ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 15 lakh, the fraudsters vanish or keep delaying departure indefinitely.

2. Visa Lottery and Green Card Scams

Scammers claim the victim has "won" a green card or visa lottery and must pay “processing charges.” These are common on platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, or spam emails.

3. Education and Student Visa Fraud

Fake consultancy firms charge lakhs for “admission” into foreign universities—often low-ranking or non-existent ones—using falsified documents.

4. Human Trafficking and Job Traps

In extreme cases, individuals are taken abroad illegally and forced into labor, prostitution, or cybercrime centers, particularly in Southeast Asia.


Case Studies and Real Incidents

Myanmar Scam Centers

Nearly 300 Indian citizens were rescued in 2024 from scam call centers in Myanmar, where they were trapped and forced to commit cyber frauds under duress.

Canada Job Scam (Punjab)

In Punjab, several youths were duped by an agent who promised work permits in Canada but disappeared after collecting over Rs 1 crore.

Student Visa Fraud (Hyderabad)

A Hyderabad-based consultancy firm was busted for sending forged documents to Australian universities, causing student visa bans for hundreds.


Why Victims Fall for These Scams

Even educated individuals fall prey due to:

  • Lack of awareness about legal immigration processes

  • Trust in local agents, often recommended by relatives or friends

  • Language barriers when navigating official embassy websites

  • Fear of missing out on once-in-a-lifetime opportunities

Many victims don’t report the crime due to shame, fear of legal trouble, or lack of evidence.


Legal and Regulatory Weaknesses

India’s current system to regulate immigration agents is fragmented and under-enforced. Although agencies must be registered under the Ministry of External Affairs’ e-Migrate platform, many continue to operate without licenses.

Weak oversight, delayed investigations, and low conviction rates allow fraudsters to reopen under new names. Victims often face bureaucratic hurdles when trying to recover money or prosecute the guilty.


Government and International Response

  • The Ministry of External Affairs periodically blacklists unregistered agents and issues travel advisories.

  • The CBI and ED are involved in large-scale human trafficking investigations.

  • Some countries (like Canada and Australia) have started public verification portals for job offers and universities to reduce misinformation.

  • Campaigns like “Surakshit Jaayein, Prashikshit Jaayein” encourage only skilled, legal migration.


How to Avoid Immigration Scams

For individuals:

  • Check agent credentials on emigrate.gov.in

  • Avoid cash deals and insist on receipts and contracts

  • Verify all offer letters and visa documents with the respective embassies

  • Do not fall for guaranteed visas or jobs without interviews

  • Use only certified IELTS/TOEFL consultants and apply to universities through official portals

For families:

  • Encourage loved ones to research and confirm before paying any money

  • Look out for signs of coercion or emotional pressure


Conclusion

The desire to live a better life abroad is understandable, but it must be grounded in facts, legality, and preparation—not emotional promises and shortcuts. Immigration scams not only destroy finances but also derail lives, often leaving victims stranded in foreign lands or trapped in debt back home.

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