Yarab Global Education Consultancy and Placement Firm has denied allegations linking it to an overseas job scam that reportedly affected 46 Bhutanese job seekers. The consultancy blamed its agent partner in India for the issue and claimed it had also fallen victim to fraud by its agent partner.
According to the consultancy, Bhutanese candidates who travelled to Vietnam did not apply through the Bhutan office and were instead processed through agents in India.
The firm said that when the initial work programme failed, they tried to find alternative opportunities in Europe. Vietnam was arranged as a temporary destination, where candidates were expected to find jobs within three months.
The consultancy added that candidates had signed a legal agreement before travelling. The agreement included arrangements for accommodation and food in Vietnam, along with a refund clause if travel to Europe did not happen within three months.
However, the candidates returned to Bhutan before the three-month period ended and later filed complaints against the consultancy.
Yarab Global said only 27 candidates had applied through its programmes for jobs in the United Kingdom and Canada, not dozens as reported.
After the issue surfaced regarding its agent partner in India, the consultancy reported the case to the Bhutanese Embassy in New Delhi and filed police complaints in Delhi and Surat. Yarab Global claimed that the agent was later arrested.
The firm said all fees collected from candidates were transferred to the Indian agent to secure visa approvals. Evidence of the transfers has been submitted to the Royal Bhutan Police.
Despite financial difficulties, the consultancy said it has started refunding some candidates in instalments and remains committed to returning the money to all affected individuals while continuing to cooperate with authorities.
The Department of Law and Order under the Ministry of Home Affairs is investigating the case.
“We are hearing that the suspects are residing in Delhi, and the precise current location is not yet confirmed. We are definitely working closely with the Interpol, Immigration Authorities, Anti-Corruption Commission, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the case. We are looking at a faster and more pragmatic solution rather than getting into the international cooperation mechanisms such as the extradition. If required in the future, we will definitely also see if we can use the Extradition Act and the extradition treaty that we have with India to solve these cases at hand,” said Karma Dorji, Chief Programme Officer, Department of Law and Order.
In June last year, the Bhutan Qualifications and Professionals Certification Authority indefinitely suspended Yarab Global Education Consultancy and Placement Firm following findings of forged documents and unauthorised job placements.
Namgay Wangdi
Edited by Sonam Pem
