How to Spot a Genuine Agency & Avoid Overseas Job Scams

An overseas job can change your family's future — but fake agents prey on that hope. Every year, workers lose money and time to unlicensed middlemen. A few simple checks can keep you safe.

Red flags of a fake agent

• Large upfront "visa fees" demanded in cash before any offer letter
• No office address or registration number you can verify
• Guaranteed visa or "100% selection" promises — no genuine agency can guarantee this
• Pressure to pay immediately or "lose the seat"
• Salary and job details that keep changing or sound too good to be true
• Payments asked into a personal bank account instead of the company
• No written contract, offer letter or receipt

Questions to ask before you pay anything

1. What is your Government registration / licence number?
2. Can I see the employer's offer letter and contract in writing?
3. What exactly is included in the fee, and what does the employer pay for?
4. Will I get a receipt for any payment?
5. Is this job on the eMigrate system, and is your agency registered there?

Remember: For most genuine Gulf jobs, the employer pays the work-visa cost, and a registered consultancy never charges candidates for interviews. Be very cautious of anyone who does.

How to verify a consultancy is genuine

• Check for a Government registration number (ours is TN-0379-2013) and a real, visitable office
• Confirm the agency is registered on the Ministry's eMigrate portal
• Look for a track record — years in business, references and reviews
• Insist on written offer letters, contracts and receipts for every payment
• Prefer traceable payments to the company account, never to an individual

What to do if you suspect a scam

Stop all payments, keep every message and receipt, and report the matter to the police and to the Protector of Emigrants (POE) / eMigrate grievance channel. Acting early improves your chances of recovering money and protects others.

Why registration matters

A Government-registered consultancy is accountable to the authorities and follows a transparent process — from offer to documents to travel. That accountability is your protection. Learn more about our 25+ year record and how we work.