Porvorim: Legal action is being taken against recruitment agencies found engaging in fraudulent and unethical practices, particularly those involved in facilitating overseas employment, Chief Minister and Home Minister Pramod Sawant informed the Legislative Assembly.
Replying to a starred question tabled by BJP MLA Sankalp Amonkar during the ongoing Winter Session of the House on Wednesday, Sawant said the government was aware of complaints against certain recruiting agencies that allegedly charged exorbitant fees, provided misleading job information, and failed to fulfil contractual obligations, resulting in Goans being cheated or stranded abroad.
“Whenever such complaints are received or any such illegal recruitment agencies are found operating, legal action is taken as per the provisions of law,” the chief minister said.
On steps taken to create public awareness, the chief minister said the government has conducted awareness programmes in educational institutions and public places to alert youth and job seekers about the risks posed by fraudulent recruiting agencies.
He said citizens are being encouraged to verify recruiting agencies with competent authorities and report suspicious activities to the police.
The chief minister also informed the Assembly that an awareness session for investigating officers, police station in-charges, and staff was conducted at Altinho in February last year by a senior official from the Ministry of External Affairs to sensitise police officers about the Emigration Act, 1983, challenges in promoting safe and legal migration, and fake overseas recruitment practices.
He said police station in-charges and beat officers have been directed to verify their respective jurisdictions for any illegal recruitment activities and take action wherever violations are found.
Replying to a query on whether the government proposed to introduce new legislative, regulatory, or technological safeguards to regulate recruitment agencies, Sawant said no such proposal was under consideration at present.
