Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 19: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday issued a strong advisory urging Indian citizens to exercise the “strictest vigilance” over overseas job offers after several Indians were lured to Iran on false employment promises and kidnapped by criminal gangs.

The MEA highlighted a surge in incidents where Indians were enticed with fake job opportunities or assurances of onward travel to third countries. “Upon reaching Iran, these Indian nationals have been kidnapped by criminal gangs and ransoms have been demanded from their families for securing their release,” the statement said.

The ministry warned that agents offering visa-free entry for employment might be operating in connivance with such gangs. “It may be noted that the Government of Iran allows visa-free entry to Indians only for tourism purposes,” the advisory stressed, cautioning citizens to stay alert and verify all employment offers abroad.