Daijiworld Media Network- Porvorim

Porvorim, Jul 30: Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant informed the Goa Assembly on Tuesday that since 2022, the state police have registered 15 criminal cases against unlisted recruitment agencies accused of overseas job frauds. So far, 15 arrests have been made in connection with these cases.

The trend, according to data shared in the House, indicates a sharp rise — from two cases in 2022 to six cases already recorded in the first half of 2025. Of the total, seven cases are currently pending trial, while six are still under investigation.

Responding to a calling attention motion moved by Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar, who raised concerns about unscrupulous recruitment agents charging exorbitant fees and providing misleading job offers abroad, CM Sawant said the government has taken proactive steps. These include conducting awareness drives at police stations and coordinating closely with the office of the Protector of Emigrants.

He further assured the House that action would be initiated against the illegal agencies flagged during the session.

However, Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai expressed dissatisfaction with the current efforts, stating, “Issuing public advisories and conducting awareness is not enough. Immediate action must be taken against the agencies and middlemen named in this House before the session ends.”

Several legislators also pressed the state government to urge the Centre to establish a sub-office of the Protector of Emigrants in Goa itself, as residents currently fall under the jurisdiction of the Karnataka office.