(a) whether unregistered recruiting agencies which are in the business in connivance with the registered
recruiting agencies for sending citizens of this country abroad are on the rise;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(c) the steps taken or proposed to be taken by the Government to check these agencies who cheat the
innocent citizens of the country?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS (SHRI VAYALAR RAVI)
(a) & (b): Complaints against unregistered agencies involved in overseas recruitment business and registered
recruitment agents are received from time to time.
Position relating to complaints received against unregistered as well as registered recruitment agencies
and action taken against them is given in Annexure.
(c): Following remedial measures have been taken in regard to workers:
(i) All demands for 500 or more workers are verified for the genuineness of the demand as well as the foreign
employer.
(ii) Labour Agreements/MoUs have been signed with Jordan, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain and Malaysia
for bilateral cooperation for protection and welfare of emigrants.
(iii) Special measures being taken for better protection and welfare of vulnerable sections of emigrants
including women emigrants are:
(a): Age restriction of 30 years for all women emigrating to ECR countries for overseas employment.
(b): A 24X7 helpline viz. Overseas Workers Resource Centre (OWRC) has been set up to enable emigrants
/prospective emigrants to seek information and file complaints against recruiting agents/foreign employers.
A Migrant Resource Centre has been opened at Kochi for similar assistance.
(iv) A vigorous campaign in the print and electronic media is regularly undertaken to create awareness
about hazards of illegal migration.