Labour ministry warns workers over overseas employment scams

The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare has warned job seekers to be on their guard against fraudulent overseas employment schemes operated by illegal brokers.
The ministry advises people wishing to work abroad to use official channels—such as the ministry’s Department of Employment, provincial labour departments and district labour offices—or to use properly licensed recruit-ment agencies.
A senior official from the ministry said on Wednesday that some people  have reported issues after travelling to the Republic of Korea to take up jobs organised through a specific recruitment agency.
“Reported problems include job duties differing from what was advertised, irregular work schedules, and days without work that resulted in lower-than-expected compensation,” she said, adding that these situations had been encountered in the Republic of Korea, Canada, Australia, Mongolia and other countries.
The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare is working with other ministries including the Ministry of Public Security to investigate and take action against individuals who falsely claim to represent the labour ministry or use its name to deceive people into paying money or travelling abroad for illegal employment, she added.
The ministry strongly advises job seekers to thoroughly review employment contracts before travelling. Contracts should clearly specify the job position, wages, working hours, workplace location, and benefits.
Job applicants are urged to carefully verify information and only accept jobs offered through legitimate channels.
No money should be paid to individuals claiming to be recruitment agents unless they can provide valid legal documentation and proof of their identity.
Advertisements on Facebook or other online sites promising “easy jobs with high pay”, claiming that “a valid passport is not required”, or stating that one can “enter the country as a tourist and start working immediately” should be treated as red flags.
Individuals should always verify such claims with government authorities before taking any action.
The ministry says accepting a job organised through informal or illegal channels puts workers at serious risk of fraud, non-payment of wages, doc-ument confiscation, human trafficking, and legal issues in the destination country.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update September 18, 2026)