The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has disclosed data detailing actions taken against illegal recruitment agents between January 2021 and February 2025, in response to a Right to Information (RTI) application filed by transparency advocate Commodore Lokesh K Batra (Retd.).

According to information provided by the MEA’s Overseas Employment & Protector General of Emigrants Division, a total of 5,383 complaints related to illegal recruitment agents were referred to various state and Union Territory governments during the four-year period. The highest number of complaints were registered in 2021 with 1,553 cases, followed by 1,378 in 2024.

Despite the volume of complaints, only 49 prosecution sanctions were issued by the MEA during this period, enabling state and UT police authorities to prosecute illegal agents after completing their investigations.

Commodore Batra, however, noted that the data provided was limited to 2021 onwards, although his RTI request had sought information dating back to 2014.

The state-wise data highlights significant disparities in follow-up actions. Andhra Pradesh topped the list with 2,890 complaints referred, yet it reported only 16 Action Taken Reports (ATRs) from the state police and received just one prosecution sanction. 

Kerala, by contrast, had 531 complaints and saw 17 prosecution sanctions issued—reflecting more responsive enforcement. Delhi also witnessed a spike in complaints, especially in 2024 and early 2025, prompting the MEA to issue 11 prosecution sanctions in 2024 alone.

In states with large overseas migration populations, such as Punjab, 103 complaints were referred but no prosecution sanctions were granted.

Gujarat saw 15 complaints and one sanction involving four individuals, while Haryana had seven complaints and one prosecution sanction issued in 2024.

A broader analysis of the data reveals a troubling gap between the complaints forwarded (5,383) and the total ATRs received from state police authorities (only 756).

Nonetheless, the MEA stated that prosecution sanctions were granted in all 49 cases where formal requests were submitted by the states following investigations.

The MEA’s response also included a copy of a standard operating procedure (SOP) issued on September 25, 2024, guiding State and UT police authorities on handling such complaints.

The SOP, aimed at promoting safe and legal migration, emphasises the role of local authorities in addressing illegal recruitment and human trafficking, underscoring that ‘law and order’ remains a state responsibility.