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Migrant workers hailing from South Asia and Southeast Asia are increasingly falling for false job scams which were once considered sophisticated and were aimed at people wanting jobs in Gulf states, Malaysia, and Singapore. The criminals attract workers with phony contracts, fake visa guarantees, and high-paying job offers, thus charging them exorbitant recruitment fees, often amounting to thousands of dollars. Many end up without jobs, losing their passports, being exploited, getting in debt, and having to take part in illegal cyber activities. While the authorities in Malaysia and Singapore conducting the investigations, the international bodies are already issuing warnings about the growing scams that are targeting and exploiting migrant workers who are desperate to leave for jobs overseas. Explore our migrant workers rights news hub for the latest reports, advocacy efforts, and developments shaping equality worldwide.
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Modus Operandi of Fake Job Rackets
- Headhunters and brokers promote jobs with high salaries in such sectors as manufacturing, hotels, and construction in the Gulf and Southeast Asia.
- Laborers are spending big money on papers, visa processing, and training that never materializes into employment.
- When the world workers arrive at their destination, they have problems with their passports taken away, their salaries being delayed or not coming at all, and they are being forced into participating in “pig butchering” crypto scams, which are one of the fraudulent schemes.
- The trafficking networks conduct their activities over digital platforms and social media for mass recruitment, and they also hide their operational secrets through using fake addresses and corporate fronting.
Impact on Migrants
The victims suffer heavily not only financially but also emotionally, as they become dependent on the debts they contracted for the recruitment fees and at the same time are not able to go back home due to their documents being withheld or threats made against them. In some cases, people are subjected to unhealthy living conditions and illegal imprisonment. The low-skilled workers from Bangladesh, Nepal, and India who are looking for a better life abroad are particularly affected by the scam. Families are going through a hard time of being apart for a long time and having no news about their loved ones, as well as having very few options for getting their money back or having the issue resolved.
Read also: Global Migrant Workers Face New Safety Risks Abroad
Government and International Actions
- The government of Malaysia and its labor ministries have initiated investigations into the mass recruitment fraud that was uncovered in early 2025. They also terminated the employment of officials who were involved in the illegal approval of foreign labor quotas.
- Interpol and the police in Singapore warn against the recruitment scams that are associated with human trafficking and financial fraud.
- India is in the forefront of the cases of its nationals who are stranded abroad and is providing assistance through embassies and bilateral cooperation.
- A coalition of technology companies, NGOs, and law enforcement is working together to identify and eliminate the digital recruitment fraud networks.
How Migrants Can Stay Safe
- Recruitment agencies should always be verified through official government websites.
- It is better to avoid large upfront payments and never transfer money or send personal documents via the internet without verifying the recipient.
- It is advisable to utilize the assistance of an embassy or consulate before going on a trip.
- You should inform local authorities and use helplines to report any suspicious offers.
