How to Verify an Overseas Recruitment Agency in India

JS INTERNATIONAL
7 days ago
2 min read

Migrating for work is a significant step—one that requires trusting the right recruitment agency. Unfortunately, illegal and fraudulent recruiters continue to exploit hopeful job seekers. Here's a structured guide to help you verify an overseas recruitment agency in India and ensure your journey is safe and legitimate.

1. Check for MEA Registration on the eMigrate Portal

Under the Emigration Act, 1983, only recruiters registered with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) are legally permitted to arrange overseas jobs. Visit the eMigrate portal to confirm whether an agency appears in the authorized list and not in the blacklisted or unregistered section

2. Be Alert to Red Flags

Fraudulent agencies often:

Demand high upfront fees for “placement” or “visa processing”
Use free email services (e.g., Gmail) or lack a physical office
Offer unverified or overly attractive job packages with minimal screening

One jobseeker recounted losing ₹30,000–₹60,000 to a bogus consultancy that applied on LinkedIn under their name—but delivered nothing in return.

3. Confirm Contact Details and Track Record

Legitimate recruiters will be transparent about:

Their physical office address and contact information
Their industry-specific experience and client references
Their screening and placement process, including mock interviews or tests

4. Understand the Fee Structure

Legitimate agencies typically charge for documentation—not job placement—and must issue receipts. Importantly, the MEA caps service charges at ₹30,000 plus GST. Cross-check that all charges are fair, transparent, and justified.

5. Leverage Local Authority Warnings and Raids

Govt. warnings signal frequent scam hotspots. For instance:

The Protector of Emigrants (POE) has repeatedly raided illegal agencies operating in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka
Local initiatives like “Pathu Ponga” in Chennai help raise awareness about fake recruiters

6. Report Suspicious Activity

If you suspect fraud:

File a complaint with your local police or the POE office
Report exploitation or cybercrime via the Cyber Crime Portal or consumer forums

Final Thoughts

Verifying a recruiter may seem tedious, but it’s essential to protect your future abroad. Start by confirming their MEA license on eMigrate, watch for common scam signs like upfront fees or free email use, and verify physical addresses and client testimonials. Remember, only legally registered agencies operating transparently—and never promising guaranteed jobs—are worth your trust.

For added reassurance, check out our related resources: