Indian Man Killed in Job Scam Tragedy
The family of Thomas Gabriel Perera, an Indian man shot dead while attempting to cross into Israel, claims he fell victim to a job scam. Perera, 47, was killed by Jordanian security forces on February 10, after being lured to Jordan with promises of lucrative employment. His brother-in-law, who accompanied him, was injured in the incident and later repatriated to India.
Job Scam Lures Victims to Danger
Thomas Gabriel Perera and his brother-in-law, Edison Charlas, were auto-rickshaw drivers from Kerala, India. They were promised blue-collar jobs in Jordan with a monthly salary of 350,000 rupees (approximately $4,000). To secure this opportunity, Charlas paid 210,000 rupees to an agent before their departure and an additional $600 upon arrival in Jordan on a tourist visa. However, upon reaching Amman, they discovered that no jobs were available, and the agent suggested they attempt to cross into Israel illegally, claiming better opportunities awaited them there.
This tragic incident highlights a growing trend of Indian nationals falling prey to employment scams, leading them to take dangerous risks in search of work abroad. Reports indicate that many individuals are being misled by agents, resulting in illegal crossings into neighboring countries.
Fatal Attempt to Cross the Border
On February 10, Perera and Charlas joined a group that traveled for hours to the Jordan-Israel border. Charlas recounted the harrowing journey, stating they were driven for several hours before being made to walk several kilometers along the coastline in darkness. It was during this perilous trek that they were shot at by security forces.
According to a letter from the Indian embassy in Jordan, security forces opened fire after the group allegedly ignored warnings to stop. The embassy reported that Perera was shot in the head and died instantly. However, Charlas disputed this account, claiming there were no warnings given before the shooting occurred. He stated that he was shot from behind and lost consciousness, unaware of what had happened to Perera.
Efforts to Recover Perera’s Body
As of now, Thomas Gabriel Perera’s body remains in Jordan. The Indian foreign ministry has confirmed that they are working to repatriate his remains as soon as possible. Randhir Jaiswal, a spokesperson for the ministry, indicated that the documentation process could take one to two days to complete.
Shashi Tharoor, the Member of Parliament representing Perera’s constituency in Thiruvananthapuram, stated that Indian embassy officials have verified Perera’s identity and that the process for transporting his body back to India has commenced. The tragic circumstances surrounding Perera’s death have raised concerns about the safety of Indian workers abroad and the prevalence of job scams that continue to ensnare vulnerable individuals.
Ongoing Risks of Employment Scams
Despite numerous government warnings, many Indians continue to fall victim to job scams, risking illegal entry into foreign countries in search of better employment opportunities. Ajith Kolassery, CEO of Norka, the Kerala government’s migration department, noted that the common tactic involves obtaining a tourist visa for one country and then crossing into a neighboring country illegally.
Observers have reported that hundreds of Indians have been rescued from scam centers in Southeast Asia, where they were trafficked after being lured by false job promises. Additionally, many have been deceived into participating in conflicts abroad, such as the war in Ukraine, under the guise of job offers.
The desperation for better wages drives many to take these risks, leading to tragic outcomes like that of Thomas Gabriel Perera. As the situation unfolds, it underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and protective measures for migrant workers.
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