The Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, has warned Indian nationals against lucrative job traps in Cambodia set up by human traffickers.

“It has come to attention that Indian nationals, lured by fake promises of lucrative job opportunities in Cambodia, are falling into the trap of human traffickers. These Indian nationals are coerced to undertake online financial scams and other illegal activities”, the Advisory stated.

MEA has cautioned Indian nationals intending to visit Cambodia for employment to do so only through authorized agents and also to thoroughly check the background of the prospective employer in Cambodia.

The Ministry has also informed that through its Mission in Phnom Penh, it is working closely with the Cambodian authorities to address the issue as well as provide continuous assistance to the affected Indian nationals.

It has been reported that over 5000 Indian nationals are being held in Cambodia, forced to carry out cyber frauds against their will.

On 30th March 2024, the Ministry’s Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal acknowledged the media reports on Indian nationals stuck in Cambodia and said that the “Embassy in Cambodia has been promptly responding to complaints from Indian nationals who were lured with employment opportunities to that country but were forced to undertake illegal cyber work.”

Jaiswal said that the Indian Embassy has rescued and repatriated about 250 Indians, of which 75 in just the last three months. He asserted the Ministry’s commitment to help those nationals who seek help. “We are also working with Cambodian authorities and with agencies in India to crack down on those responsible for these fraudulent schemes,” he added.