Raids conducted on illegal overseas recruitment agencies at Melur in Madurai district

Protector of Emigrants in Chennai conducts raids on illegal recruiting agencies in Melur, urging caution for overseas job seekers.

The Protector of Emigrants (POE), Chennai, in coordination with the Madurai police, conducted raids at multiple premises of illegal recruiting agencies operating in Melur in the district. Hundreds of passports were seized during the operation, and investigations are currently under way.

The action was initiated based on a tip-off regarding the presence of several unauthorised agencies in Melur. The area has one of the highest concentrations of illegal recruiting agencies in the State.

M. Rajkumar, POE for the regions of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, urged all individuals seeking employment abroad to exercise utmost caution. He emphasised the importance of securing overseas employment only through licensed recruitment agencies, which are authorised by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and only on valid work visas. He also advised those seeking jobs overseas to verify the credentials of recruitment agencies before making any financial commitments. A list of licensed recruitment agencies is available at emigrate.gov.in., he added.

Mr. Rajkumar also warned individuals or entities facilitating illegal emigration. “It is a punishable offence under the Emigration Act, 1983, for any agency to send Indian citizens abroad without a valid recruitment license. Such agencies must immediately halt their activities and obtain the necessary authorisation. Strict action will be taken against all violators. Additional raids are planned in the region in the coming months.”

The Madurai police have also assured the POE that they will continue to conduct regular raids and take strict action against illegal recruitment agencies operating in the region.