Indian Embassy Rescues 14 Indian Youth from Cyber-Scam Centers in Laos
The Indian Embassy in Laos has successfully rescued 14 Indian youth from cyber-scam centers located in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The embassy is working closely with Lao authorities to ensure their safe return to India. So far, a total of 548 Indian youth have been rescued.
Advisory for Indian Nationals
The Indian Embassy has issued an advisory warning Indian nationals about job offers in Laos. These offers often lure individuals into committing cyber scams. The embassy advises Indian youth to be cautious and avoid such job offers.
Fake Job Offers
Recently, there have been instances where Indian nationals were lured for employment in Laos through Thailand. These fake jobs are often for positions like ‘Digital Sales and Marketing Executives’ or ‘Customer Support Service’ by dubious companies involved in call-center scams and cryptocurrency fraud.
Agents in places like Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore, and India recruit Indian nationals by conducting simple interviews and typing tests. They offer high salaries, hotel bookings, return air tickets, and visa facilitation. However, victims are illegally taken across the border into Laos and held captive under harsh conditions.
Harsh Conditions
Victims are often forced to work under strenuous conditions and face constant physical and mental torture. In some cases, Indian workers are brought to Laos for low-cost jobs like mining and wood factory work, where they are exploited and endangered.
Visa Advisory
The Indian Embassy noted that visas on arrival in Thailand or Laos do not permit employment. Lao authorities do not issue work permits to Indian nationals traveling on such visas. Tourist visas should only be used for tourism purposes.
Government Efforts
In July, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar discussed the issue of trafficking Indian nationals through cyber scam centers with Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. He also discussed the matter with the foreign ministers of Cambodia and Thailand, appreciating their cooperation in the rescue and relief efforts.
Doubts Revealed
Indian Embassy -: The Indian Embassy is a place in another country where Indian government officials work to help Indian citizens who are living or traveling there.
Cyber-scam centers -: Cyber-scam centers are places where people use computers and the internet to trick others into giving them money or personal information.
Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone -: The Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone is an area in Laos where businesses get special benefits like lower taxes to encourage economic activity.
Tourist visas -: Tourist visas are special permissions that allow people to visit a country for a short time for tourism, but they do not allow people to work there.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar -: S. Jaishankar is a high-ranking official in the Indian government who is responsible for managing India’s relationships with other countries.
Laos -: Laos is a country in Southeast Asia, located near Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
Fake job offers -: Fake job offers are false promises of employment that trick people into thinking they will get a job, but instead, they are often scammed or put in dangerous situations.
