What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
The recent revelation that 29,466 Indian nationals who travelled to Southeast Asia between January 2022 and May 2024 have not returned home raises significant concerns. Particularly alarming is the fact that many are believed to be victims of “cyber slavery,” trapped in forced labour, primarily in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar. This issue shines a spotlight on vulnerabilities within India’s immigration, banking, and telecom sectors, and calls for urgent government action to protect its citizens from exploitation.
The demographic data presents a clear profile of the victims—predominantly young men, aged 20 to 39, originating from states like Punjab, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. This group forms the bulk of those lured by promises of lucrative jobs abroad, only to find themselves coerced into cybercrime syndicates. These victims often have their passports seized and are forced into illegal activities such as online fraud, and using fake identities to deceive unsuspecting individuals.
The gravity of the situation has led to the formation of a high-level inter-ministerial panel, tasked with verifying the whereabouts of these missing individuals and addressing the gaps in India’s preventive systems. Although the Bureau of Immigration has begun compiling data and implementing measures to curb the outflow of potential victims, more comprehensive efforts are needed. These include stricter vetting of job offers abroad, improved tracking of outbound travellers, and enhanced cooperation with Southeast Asian governments to repatriate those trapped.
The rise in cybercrime originating from Southeast Asia—where 45% of recent cases targeting Indians have been traced—underlines the need for robust cybersecurity measures. These crimes not only exploit individuals but also pose a national security risk, as victims are often compelled to engage in scams that result in substantial financial losses for Indian citizens.
The Indian government must treat this issue with urgency. Measures such as creating awareness among job seekers, strengthening legal frameworks, and ensuring coordinated efforts across ministries will be crucial in addressing the crisis. India’s vast human resources should not fall prey to modern-day slavery in cyberspace; instead, their potential must be harnessed responsibly to contribute to the nation’s growth and global standing.
With over 30,000 Indian nationals still unaccounted for, the government must act decisively to prevent further exploitation and protect the dignity and future of its people.
