SRINAGAR: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a stern warning to Indian citizens about fraudulent job offers leading to abductions in Iran. The advisory follows reports of multiple incidents where Indians were deceived into travelling to Iran under the guise of employment opportunities, only to be kidnapped by criminal gangs.
In a statement, as per The Hindu, the MEA cautioned against falling for such scams, urging individuals to exercise “the strictest vigilance” when confronted with job offers linked to travel to Iran. The ministry detailed cases where victims were lured to the country with promises of employment or onward travel to third countries. Upon arrival in Iran, they were abducted and held for ransom, with their families forced to pay for their release.
The MEA also highlighted that Iran permits visa-free entry for Indians solely for tourism purposes. Any agents claiming to offer visa-free entry for employment or other reasons may be involved in criminal activities, the statement stressed. As a result, the government strongly advised against accepting such dubious offers.
