Srinagar, Oct 21: Several unemployed youth from Kashmir have allegedly fallen victim to fraudulent job agents and unregistered consultancies promising employment in Gulf countries and Europe, losing lakhs of rupees. Multiple police complaints have been filed, with investigations underway.

A youth from Sopore travelled to Dubai on August 19 after being promised a salesman's job at a departmental store by an alleged recruitment agent from Baramulla district operating an unregistered consultancy through social media.
The youth reportedly paid Rs 1.1 lakh for the promised job, accommodation and salary. However, upon reaching Dubai, he was allegedly made to work as a hotel waiter for a low salary. Left struggling to meet basic expenses, he subsequently lost contact with the agent and filed a complaint with Sopore police.
He is among at least eight job aspirants allegedly duped by the same agent. Another complainant from Bandipora alleged that the agent had agreed in writing before Sopore police in July to return the money taken for a promised job but failed to repay it.
Police sources said the alleged agent was reportedly in Saudi Arabia and had not been traced. His family was also informed about the allegations and asked to facilitate the return of the money, according to police sources.
In another case, a 20-year-old youth from Kupwara district was allegedly cheated by two men after being promised a driver's job in Saudi Arabia. One of the accused reportedly works as a driver in Riyadh.
The youth's father, a labourer, allegedly paid Rs 1.23 lakh for the employment opportunity. However, after reaching Riyadh, the young man was reportedly made to work as a hotel waiter. He subsequently alleged that the agent confined him to a rented room for three months after he questioned the arrangement.
The family said it incurred a total loss of around Rs 2.5 lakh on tickets, medical examinations and other expenses. A complaint has been lodged with the cyber police in Kupwara, and the matter is under investigation.
In a separate case, a 31-year-old commerce student from Srinagar allegedly paid Rs 2.31 lakh online to a local agent for a promised driver's job in Luxembourg. The aspirant alleged that he was provided fake air tickets, visa documents and an appointment letter.
According to the complaint, 28 job aspirants approached Ram Munshi Bagh police station over the alleged fraud. Police sources said around 30 candidates had lodged complaints against the agent, who allegedly operated two unregistered recruitment and immigration consultancies to promise jobs in Europe and Gulf countries.
Police registered a case under Sections 318(4) and 336(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relating to cheating and forgery. The accused was reportedly arrested in Delhi and remanded to 10 days of police custody by a local court. The allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.
The cases highlight the risks faced by unemployed youth seeking overseas employment through informal recruitment agents and online consultancies. With limited job opportunities at home, many aspirants are increasingly looking towards the Gulf and Europe, sometimes investing their families' savings in the hope of securing a stable livelihood.
A 2025 survey conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir administration under Mission YUVA reportedly found that 4.73 lakh people out of 64.8 lakh individuals aged 18–60 were without work despite being willing to take up employment.
The incidents underscore the need for greater public awareness, verification of overseas recruitment agencies and prompt action against alleged fraudulent operators. Job aspirants should verify recruitment credentials, employment contracts, visas and work permits before paying agents or travelling abroad.