Kerala government forms task force to tackle illegal recruitment and visa scams

In response to growing complaints about illegal recruitment and visa fraud, the Kerala government has established a task force to address the issue, as part of its "Operation Shubhayatra" initiative under the Department of Expatriate Affairs.

The task force, formed under the directive of Secretary Dr. K Vasuki, includes key officials from NORKA Roots (a public sector entity under the Department of Non-Resident Keralite’s Affairs), the Protector of Emigrants in Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam, and the Superintendent of Police from the NRI Cell.

This task force will review investigations related to complaints about authorised and unauthorised recruiters who charge money for fake job offers abroad.

They will hold monthly meetings to assess the progress of these investigations. Additionally, the task force, based on recommendations from the NGO Pravasi Legal Cell, will request the Ministry of External Affairs to enforce stricter measures to curb recruitment fraud.

The Kerala government has also directed the State Police Chief and the NRI Cell Superintendent to strengthen their cyber capabilities. Furthermore, the Law Department has been asked to consider creating a legal framework to regulate agencies involved in student migration.

The Planning and Economic Affairs Department will explore potential collaborations with banks to monitor suspicious transactions related to recruitment fees, with a report to follow on their findings.