NRI Commission warns against visa and job recruitment scams

More than 30 percent of the complaints handled by the Commission of Non-Resident Indians (Keralites) relate to alleged financial fraud, including fraud by promising work visas and jobs abroad, commission chairperson Sophy Thomas said on Wednesday.

Ms Thomas said the Commission had received 268 complaints so far this year and urged the public to be vigilant against recruitment scams. She was addressing the media in connection with the adalat held at the Collectorate conference hall here. According to the Commission, almost 75 complaints were considered during the adalat.

“Most of the complaints received were related to visa recruitment fraud. Job seekers should be careful to choose job opportunities only through NORKA (Non-Resident Keralites’ Affairs) recognized recruitment agencies,” she said.

Ms Thomas said investigators looking into such scams often end up tracking down only the middlemen, while the real culprits manage to get away.

The commission also highlighted the financial difficulties many families face when they are pressured to send their children abroad for higher studies without checking whether the universities the children choose are authentic. “Many young people come back and face the uncertainty of debts incurred for their travel and studies,” she said, stressing that students should only go abroad for higher studies with appropriate means and choose reputable universities.

The commission also warned against bogus agencies and unauthorized legal advisory institutions exploiting the families of expatriates who die or meet with accidents abroad in the name of helping them get the compensation they are entitled to.

According to the Commission, relatives of victims seeking compensation should seek help only from lawyers recognized by embassies.

The commission noted that civil or criminal complaints against expatriates, their relatives or victims of visa fraud can be filed from anywhere in the world through its website (www.nricommission.kerala.gov.in). Keralites working in other parts of the country can also seek help from the Commission.

Commission members PM Jabir, Mathews K. Lukose and MM Naeem and member secretary Jayaram Kumar R were present.

Published – 9 Sep 2026 22:06 IST