Working Abroad: Don’t Fall for Scams

✒ Nabeel Payyoli

24 October 2026, 13 Jumada Al-Awwal 1448 AH

A friend who had travelled to Saudi Arabia for work recently spoke with distress about the trap he had fallen into. A relative had arranged his visa, assuring him that a job was waiting for him. Trusting this promise, he boarded a flight to Saudi Arabia. But after spending a huge amount of money to get there, the person who had promised him the job backed out, citing one excuse or another. He spent considerable time searching for work, but nothing worked out.

The distress of travelling abroad in search of a livelihood, somehow managing to arrange the money, and then failing to find the job one had hoped for is not a small thing. There are plenty of advertisements offering jobs. In most cases, companies receive visas from the government at little or no cost. However, agencies charge hefty sums to arrange the visa and related expenses. Some people even buy visas to Saudi Arabia without having a confirmed job. In any case, job seekers must exercise caution to avoid being cheated over visas.

When travelling to another country in search of work, it is essential to understand the conditions there. In today's circumstances, when the cost of living continues to rise and the value of money declines, there are recruitment agencies and employers who exploit people. Misleading people by converting foreign currency into Indian rupees and presenting the result as an attractive salary is common in this field. To avoid being deceived, we must investigate the conditions in the country and location where we intend to work.

It is unrealistic to expect that a salary earned abroad will have the same purchasing power as it does back home. Salaries may be several times higher, but job seekers often forget that expenses also increase proportionately. If your income is in a foreign currency, your expenses will be in that currency too. Do not assume that because a cup of tea costs ₹10 back home, it will cost the same abroad. You may have to pay much more just for a cup of tea. The same applies to all other expenses, which will be incurred in the currency in which you earn your salary. The cost of living can vary considerably from one place to another, even within the same country. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly understand the local conditions and social environment of the place where you intend to work.

You should also gain a clear understanding of the social conditions in your prospective workplace by speaking to people who already live and work there.

Employers conducting interviews will generally aim to recruit workers at the lowest possible salary. Therefore, only by understanding the conditions at the workplace beforehand can you improve your chances of negotiating and securing a reasonable salary. The question, “What salary do you expect?” is, after all, an essential part of a job interview.

Every job has a standard salary range. If you receive less than that, you may find yourself in a difficult situation. Salary is determined by factors such as educational qualifications, skills, willingness to work, and experience. For this reason, you should attend every interview with a clear understanding of these factors and of your own expectations.

If you pass the interview or receive a job offer, make sure you obtain a written employment contract. Read all the terms and conditions carefully and ensure that you fully understand them. Seek the necessary advice and clarification before signing, and sign only after ensuring that the contract accurately reflects the agreed terms. Above all, remain vigilant so that you do not spend a large sum of money travelling abroad based merely on verbal promises, only to find yourself trapped in a difficult situation.