How to Check if a Visa Agent is Fake in India

Every year, thousands of Indian workers lose their hard-earned money to fraudulent 'visa agents'. This complete guide will teach you exactly how to check if a visa agent is fake and verify legitimate overseas job opportunities.

What is a Fake Visa Agent? A fake visa agent is an unregistered individual or agency that promises international employment but disappears with your placement fees. They operate without the required government licenses and often issue fake visas or demand letters.

5 Red Flags: How to Spot a Fake Visa Agent

1. Demands Huge Upfront Fees: By law, MOIA-registered agents cannot charge more than ₹4,000 for unskilled and ₹5,000 for skilled workers.
2. Cannot Show MOIA Registration: Legitimate agents will proudly display their valid Recruiting Agent (RA) Registration Number.
3. Guarantees a Job: No real agent can guarantee you a job; they can only facilitate the interview process.
4. Refuses to Share Employer Details: You have the right to know your exact employer's name, company, and location before signing any contract.
5. High-Pressure Tactics: Fake agents often claim the 'offer expires in 2 hours' to force you to pay immediately.

How to Verify Your Recruitment Agent Online

Follow these steps to ensure your agent is genuine: - Visit the official MOIA eMigrate portal (emigrate.gov.in). - Enter the agent's RA number to check its validity status. - Call the Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra (PBSK) toll-free helpline at 1800-11-3090 to cross-check. - Always ask for the original demand letter on the employer's official letterhead.

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