Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has announced plans to create an authority aimed at safeguarding students planning to study abroad from falling victim to fraud. This new initiative will include a licensing system for recruitment agencies, ensuring greater accountability. A draft bill containing these provisions is expected to be introduced in the upcoming legislative session.
Current Vulnerabilities of Students
At present, students are not covered under the Indian Emigration Act, leaving them exposed to exploitation and fraud, with no legal protection. Additionally, there is no mandatory registration system for recruitment agencies, which has resulted in a rising number of complaints from students and their families.
Lack of Awareness and Growing Complaints
Many students and their families lack sufficient knowledge about foreign educational institutions and their regulations. Often, they rely solely on recruitment agencies, leading them to enroll in substandard institutions or face financial exploitation. The absence of an effective grievance redressal mechanism has prompted the government to introduce comprehensive legislation to address these issues.
Registration and Accountability for Recruitment Agencies
The proposed law will mandate that recruitment agencies and consultants register and obtain licenses. A new state authority will be established to oversee this process. In cases where students fail to secure admission in reputable institutions due to fraud, the responsibility will fall on the recruitment agencies. Strict penalties will be enforced to deter misconduct. The new authority will function under the supervision of the Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) department, in collaboration with the Higher Education Department.
Introduction of the ‘Student Immigration Helper Portal’
Ajith Kollassery, CEO of NORKA Roots, also announced the launch of a ‘Student Immigration Helper Portal.’ This portal will offer valuable information on international laws, reputable institutions, and job opportunities abroad. The goal is to ensure a safer overseas education experience for students.
With these efforts, the Kerala government aims to provide greater protection and transparency for students aspiring to study abroad.
