Srinagar, July 20 :
Despite repeated advisories from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and warnings from law enforcement agencies, unregistered overseas job consultancies continue to operate openly in Jammu and Kashmir, raising serious concerns over the exploitation of job-seeking youth in the region.
Details assesed by news agency JKNS stated that, On July 19 and 20 (Saturday and Sunday), a recruitment drive was reportedly conducted by Akhter Overseas Kashmir, a consultancy formerly linked to Al Hussaini, at a hotel near Khayam in Srinagar. The event, which attracted hundreds of aspirants, was advertised online seemingly in violation of MEA’s eMigrate regulations. The firm is not listed with the MEA and lacks the authorization required under the Emigration Act to recruit for overseas employment.
When contacted for clarification, Mr. Akhter the head of the consultancy refused to respond and instead accused the media of extortion.
Reports also indicate that certain consultancies are making misleading claims of job opportunities in Middle Eastern and even European countries, including Luxembourg.
This incident reflects a growing trend in Kashmir, where unregistered consultancies lure vulnerable youth with promises of lucrative jobs abroad. In many cases, victims are left stranded overseas without support or legal remedy. Families often mortgage property, sell valuables, or take loans to pay these firms only to realize they have been duped.
A previous JKNS investigation found that out of more than 700 overseas recruitment consultancies operating in Jammu and Kashmir, only six are officially registered with the MEA and hold valid licenses.
A confidential letter from the Protector of Emigrants, dated April 9, 2025, listed several consultancies allegedly involved in illegal practices. Following the circulation of multiple viral videos showing Kashmiri youth in distress abroad, the JKNS team spoke with several victims.
“I was promised a job in Riyadh within 30 days. After paying ₹1,10,000, I received only a fake appointment letter and false assurances,” said a postgraduate from Baramulla, requesting anonymity.
Another victim reported that a consultancy in Pattan charged between ₹1,00,000 and ₹1,50,000 for placements, often without providing any official receipts. Those who demanded refunds or raised concerns were allegedly threatened or intimidated.
The Crime Branch Kashmir had earlier issued a public advisory in January 2019, cautioning people against dealing with unverified overseas job offers and emphasizing that only agencies listed on the eMigrate portal are legally authorized to carry out such recruitments.
“Any agency offering employment abroad must hold valid registration under the Emigration Act, 1983,” the advisory stated. “Job seekers must verify credentials and avoid unauthorized agents.”
Unless stringent enforcement measures are implemented and awareness campaigns are intensified, thousands of Kashmiri youth may remain vulnerable chasing dreams of better opportunities abroad, only to face fraud, financial hardship, and shattered hopes. (JKNS)