The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has released a serious and urgent warning, exposing a risky trend in which criminal gangs abduct Indian nationals and hold them hostage after luring them to Iran with false work offers. The government has called for the “strictest vigilance” from all citizens considering overseas employment opportunities.
What Exactly is Happening?
According to the official statement released on Friday, criminal networks are actively targeting Indian nationals. These gangs use agents who make false promises of high-paying employment in Iran. In some cases, they assure victims that Iran is merely a transit point for jobs in other, more prosperous countries.
However, upon arrival, the reality is terrifyingly different. The promised jobs do not exist. Instead, the individuals are abducted by these very criminal gangs. In order to secure the release of their loved ones, the relatives back in India are subsequently contacted and made to pay hefty ransoms.
Who is Behind These Kidnappings?
The MEA advisory points to sophisticated “criminal gangs” operating with a specific modus operandi. The key element is the use of unscrupulous recruitment agents. The government makes it clear that these agents “may easily be in connivance with criminal gangs” when they offer visa-free admission into Iran for employment.
This suggests a well-organized trap where fake recruiters on the ground in India work in direct coordination with kidnappers based in Iran.
What is the Visa-Free Entry Warning?
This is a critical part of the advisory that clarifies a major misunderstanding. The Government of Iran allows Indian citizens visa-free entry only for tourism purposes. This is a privilege extended for short visits to see historical sites and for leisure.
The advisory sternly warns that any agent or representative claiming that this visa-free regime can be used for employment or long-term stays is deliberately lying. They are exploiting this tourist-friendly policy to funnel people into their illegal scheme. Iranian law prohibits using a tourist admission for work, which leaves the victim defenseless and without legal protections.
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What Does the Indian Government Advise?
The Ministry of External Affairs has laid out clear and direct guidance for Indian citizens:
- Exercise “strictest vigilance” when dealing with job offers in Iran or through Iran.
- Verify the credentials of recruiting agents thoroughly. Verify the information provided by the company offering employment.
- Do not fall for promises of visa-free employment. This is a guaranteed red flag and a sign of a scam.
- Only travel to Iran for employment after securing the proper, correct work visa and necessary permits through official channels.
- Before deciding to travel, check all the information on the MEA’s official website.
What Should You Do If Affected?
While the advisory is preventative, it also serves as a crucial resource for those who may already know someone caught in this situation. The government advises people to get in touch with:
- The 24×7 Control Room of the Ministry of External Affairs via phone or email.
- The Indian Embassy in Tehran for direct on-ground assistance.
Promptly reporting the case to Indian authorities is the first step toward initiating a diplomatic and legal response to secure a victim’s release.
