Student visa job racket bared

*Youths sent abroad for non-existent jobs in Europe

*Many stranded without jobs, proper accommodation

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The Higher Education Ministry has warned parents to beware of a massive job racket involving the misuse of student visas by unscrupulous agencies to send youths for non-existent jobs in Europe, specially Cyprus.

Ministry Secretary Dr Sunil Jayantha Navaratne said the racket was uncovered when the ministry investigated complaints received by some students who had fallen prey to this racket and now languishing in Cyprus without jobs or proper accommodation, on a directive by the President.

The fraudsters had lured youths without higher education or jobs to proceed to Cyprus on student visas promising jobs and opportunities to obtain degrees from European universities once they get there, and raked in vast sums of money in the process. Many youths who had fallen prey to this racket are languishing in Cyprus without food and accommodation and the promised jobs.

They had complained to the President about their plight. Dr Navaratne said the public, specially youths, should beware of these racketeers.

He said they should check with the External Affairs Ministry and the Cyprus Embassy about the bonafides of the education or job opportunities offered before signing such deals.