Punjab leads 30,000 Indians trapped in Southeast Asia
The Centre’s high-level inter-ministerial panel has directed all States and Union Territories (UTs) to conduct thorough ground-level verification to gather detailed information on the thousands of Indians still stranded in Southeast Asia amid growing concerns of “cyber slavery.” Punjab, which tops the list, along with other states, has been urged to identify and document the status of these individuals, many of whom are believed to have fallen victim to fraudulent employment schemes. The government is working closely with foreign missions to facilitate their safe return and is taking steps to prevent further exploitation of Indian citizens abroad.
In a concerning development, it has been revealed that 29,466 out of the 73,138 Indians who traveled to Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Vietnam on visitor visas between January 2022 and May 2024 have yet to return to India. The data, compiled by the Bureau of Immigration under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has highlighted a troubling trend amid reports of some Indians being trapped in what is being termed “cyber slavery” in Southeast Asian countries.
The majority of these stranded individuals are believed to be young, with over half (17,115) falling within the 20-39 age group. Additionally, 21,182 of those still abroad are males, which raises concerns that many of these individuals may have fallen prey to employment fraud or human trafficking schemes targeting young men looking for better work opportunities abroad.
What makes the situation even more alarming is the regional concentration of those affected. Over one-third of the 29,466 stranded Indians come from just three states: Punjab, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. Punjab accounts for 3,667 individuals, followed closely by Maharashtra with 3,233 and Tamil Nadu with 3,124. This concentration in specific states could point to localized recruitment efforts by fraudulent agents who promise lucrative job opportunities in Southeast Asia but instead lead these unsuspecting individuals into exploitative situations.
Thailand, one of the most visited countries by Indian tourists and business travelers, accounts for a staggering 69 percent of the total number of stranded individuals. According to the data, 20,450 Indians remain in Thailand, raising serious questions about the nature of these visitors’ stays and whether they have been coerced into illegal or exploitative work arrangements. Reports suggest that some of these individuals may have been tricked into cybercrime operations, where they are forced to engage in online scams under threat of violence or intimidation.
The term “cyber slavery” has emerged as a key issue in this context, referring to the coercion of people into working in fraudulent or illegal online activities. Victims, often lured with promises of high-paying jobs, find themselves trapped in hostile conditions, unable to escape or seek help. While some may have initially traveled on tourist visas, they are later compelled to participate in cybercrime schemes, with their travel documents confiscated and threats made against their safety if they try to leave. The rising prevalence of this form of exploitation has sparked concerns at the governmental level.
In response to these developments, the Centre’s high-level inter-ministerial panel has taken action. It has directed all States and Union Territories (UTs) to conduct comprehensive ground-level verification to gather detailed information on those who remain stranded. The panel has also instructed local authorities to identify possible victims of fraudulent recruitment or cyber slavery, in an effort to assist in their safe return.
States like Punjab, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu are now under increased pressure to accelerate efforts to trace their citizens abroad and determine whether they have fallen victim to these criminal networks. Punjab, in particular, has already been dealing with high levels of illegal immigration issues in recent years, which makes the new revelations particularly concerning.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is reportedly coordinating with Indian embassies and consulates in Southeast Asia to verify the situation on the ground. The Indian government has pledged to work closely with foreign governments to ensure the safe repatriation of its citizens, and diplomatic efforts are underway to bring back those who are stranded or exploited.
Meanwhile, efforts are also being made to prevent further exploitation of Indian citizens by cracking down on the illegal recruitment agencies operating domestically. The government is working on raising awareness about the dangers of falling for fraudulent job offers abroad and has called for stricter regulatory measures to ensure that young people do not become victims of these schemes.
As the investigation continues, it is clear that the problem of cyber slavery is part of a larger network of human exploitation that spans across borders, and the Indian government, in collaboration with its international partners, is taking steps to address the issue. The revelations serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those seeking work abroad and highlight the urgent need for more robust protections and support systems to safeguard the rights and well-being of Indian citizens traveling overseas.