Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji
Panaji, Feb 10: Even as job-seekers in Goa continue to fall prey to overseas employment rackets, official action against illegal recruiters has remained worryingly limited, with no cases from the state referred for prosecution sanction despite multiple complaints over the past two years.
Data released by the Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shows that nearly 20 grievances related to fake overseas job offers have been reported from Goa since 2023. However, only one FIR has been registered by the state police during this period, and not a single case has been forwarded for prosecution sanction.
According to the figures, 13 complaints were lodged in 2025 alone, indicating a sharp rise in cases. Five complaints were recorded in 2023, followed by two in 2024. Of all the complaints received, just one FIR was registered in 2024, while no further action was initiated in the remaining cases after preliminary inquiry.
“Government has been made aware of instances where dubious entities involved in fake recruitment job offers have lured Indian nationals, including youth, mostly through social media channels for overseas employment,” the MEA stated in its response.
The Ministry said that whenever complaints of fraudulent recruitment are received from emigrants or their relatives, the cases are forwarded to the respective State police authorities for investigation.
“As and when complaints of illegal migration are received, such matters are referred to the State police for investigation and prosecution under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other applicable laws,” the MEA said.
The Ministry also noted that cyber action is initiated against illegal recruiting agents in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and State police, particularly in cases where social media platforms are used to lure victims.
When contacted, State government officials attributed the lack of prosecutions to stalled investigations, citing non-cooperation from victims and their families.
Officials said that in several cases, complainants disengage after filing the initial complaint, making it difficult for investigators to collect evidence, record statements or build a legally sustainable case.
“This could be due to social pressure, fear of stigma, financial constraints or other personal reasons,” an official said. “Such reluctance ultimately halts the investigation and prevents cases from progressing to the FIR or prosecution stage.”
The official further added that in many instances, victims eventually withdraw their complaints altogether, bringing the legal process to a complete standstill.