Authorities are working to verify allegations of a recruitment scam involving an Indian national who claims he lost more than $17,000 in connection with arrangements for travel to Fiji and was later threatened and confined at a residence in Koronivia.
Speaking to fijivillage News, the man revealed that he first travelled to Fiji in November 2024 after paying an agent in India approximately $5,800.
He claims he was detained by immigration officials upon arrival and returned to India.
He alleges the return tickets had been deliberately arranged and claims the individuals involved had already collected money from the applicants.
He says he contacted the alleged recruiter in December 2024 to find out why they had been refused entry, but did not recover his money.
The man says he met the recruiter again in Mumbai in February 2025, when he was asked to pay a further $1,100 for another permit application.
He alleges that in February this year, he paid a further $10,000 in Mumbai after being promised that a work permit would be secured for him.
He claims he was subsequently issued an invitation letter for a business visa, which referred to sugarcane and farming businesses and identified him as a recruitment officer.
However, he says he had expected to obtain employment relevant to his experience and did not want to recruit other people from India.
The man says he arrived in Fiji on 14th September this year, and went to a residence in Koronivia after receiving a location from the alleged recruiter, and that he stayed at the residence for approximately 36 days.
He claims he was repeatedly asked to make payments in connection with the employment and travel arrangements, and that he made several payments.
He claims he paid US$1,045 through an account belonging to the recruiter's nephew and transferred approximately FJD$2,100 through the alleged recruiter's M-PAiSA account.
The man claims he received no assistance with food or living expenses during his stay in Koronivia and had to pay for his own meals and transportation.
He alleges that he also experienced circumstances that caused him to fear for his safety.
He claims he was locked inside the house and threatened, and was warned against disclosing information about the individual or his activities.
He alleges that he eventually managed to leave the residence on 19th October.
He also says that his business visa expired on 28th September and that he had been given a further 21 days to stay in the country.
He says he had also purchased his own return ticket, costing approximately FJD$2,500, which he claims he was unable to use as planned.
He says the circumstances have left him without secure accommodation and that he has been living in fear while seeking assistance and protection.
The man says he has reported the matter to the Indian High Commission in Fiji and the Fiji Immigration Department.
He is also calling for a wider investigation into what he alleges is a recruitment scheme involving more than 60 people from India and Bangladesh.
He claims some individuals may have paid between FJD$10,000 and FJD$12,000 for applications and related arrangements to work in Fiji, and wants authorities to establish whether others may have been affected by similar promises.
He is urging the Fiji Immigration Department to investigate the alleged recruitment activities and the consultancy permit portal.
The man says he wants his money returned and hopes authorities will investigate the allegations and prevent others from experiencing a similar situation.
He believes he has lost valuable time, career opportunities and the chance to advance professionally after trusting the promises made to him.
Meanwhile, Police have confirmed they are working with relevant authorities to verify his allegations.
Questions have also been sent to the Fiji Immigration Department.
