2,164 Registered Recruiting Agents in the Country: Centre
The Minister for External Affairs, Dr S Jaishankar, informed the Lok Sabha that there are currently 2,164 registered Recruiting Agents (RAs) across India as per data available on the eMigrate portal. This announcement was made in response to questions raised by MPs Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy and GM Harish Balayogi.
Dr Jaishankar explained that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) undertakes various measures to regulate these RAs, ensuring adherence to the Emigration Act, 1983. Section 10 of the Act mandates that no individual or agency can operate as a Recruiting Agent without a valid Registration Certificate issued by the Protector General of Emigrants (PGE). The registration process is facilitated via the eMigrate portal, which integrates stakeholders, including RAs, Foreign Employers (FEs), and prospective emigrants, onto a unified platform.
In cases of complaints against registered RAs, the ministry issues a Show Cause Notice (SCN) under Section 14 of the Act. If the RA fails to resolve the issue satisfactorily, their registration certificate may be suspended or cancelled. The suspension can only be revoked after consultation with stakeholders and resolution of the complaint. Additionally, the MEA maintains a list of unregistered RAs on the eMigrate portal and regularly publishes advisories and alerts to combat fraudulent recruitment practices.
The welfare of Indian workers remains a top priority for the government, the minister said. Specific Emigration Check Required (ECR) countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE have guidelines ensuring benefits such as visa sponsorship and medical insurance for foreign employees. The MEA enforces Minimum Referral Wages (MRW) to safeguard Indian migrant workers employed in these countries. The offices of the Protector of Emigrants (POEs) ensure compliance with MRW while granting mandatory Emigration Clearance (EC).
Dr Jaishankar further emphasised that RAs are prohibited from charging emigrants beyond the prescribed service fees and must issue receipts for such payments. The MEA remains vigilant against illegal migration facilitated by unregistered agents, working closely with state governments to curb such activities.
