Check your agent before you pay

In India, a registered recruiting agent may charge you at most ₹30,000 plus 18% GST for its service (Ministry of External Affairs advisory). Agents asking ₹2–5 lakh are overcharging.

We never recruit and never charge candidates any fee.

Tick every statement that is true about your agent. Each tick is a red flag.

They are not on the government's list of licensed recruiting agents.They ask for more than ₹30,000 plus GST, or any fee before showing a written job offer.They only talk on WhatsApp or social media and have no office address.They promise a job, a visa or an exam pass.They want to keep your original passport or certificates.They ask you to travel on a visit or tourist visa to work.There is no signed contract naming you, the employer and the agent.

No red flags ticked. Still verify the licence before paying.

Where to verify

India: the list of active recruiting agents on eMigrate (Ministry of External Affairs).
Philippines: the licensed recruitment agencies list of the Department of Migrant Workers.
Other countries: your government's labour or migration ministry keeps a list of licensed agencies.

Source: MEA advisory on overcharging by recruiting agents (March 2024).