Tragic Death Unveils Job Scam Nightmare for Indian Worker in Jordan

The family of Thomas Gabriel Perera, who was killed by Jordanian security forces, believes he fell victim to a job scam promising lucrative work in Jordan. As illegal crossings for employment grow more common, many South Asian migrants continue to face perilous situations abroad.

The family of Thomas Gabriel Perera, an Indian national shot dead by Jordanian security forces while crossing into Israel, asserts that he was a victim of a deceptive job scam. Perera, 47, was killed on February 10 while he attempted to cross the border after being lured to Jordan with promises of a high-paying job. With no employment opportunities in sight, he was misguided by his agent to seek work in Israel.

Perera was traveling with his brother-in-law, Edison Charlas, who survived the incident but sustained injuries and spent days in jail before being sent back to India. Both men hailed from Kerala, where they worked as auto-rickshaw drivers. They were promised jobs in Jordan that allegedly paid 350,000 rupees (approximately $4,000) per month.

Prior to their departure from India, Charlas paid 210,000 rupees to the recruiting agent and an additional $600 upon arrival in Jordan. However, upon reaching Amman, the men were informed by the agent that no jobs were available. In a drastic turn, the agent suggested they attempt to sneak into Israel, insisting that work was plentiful there.

On the fateful day, Charlas and Perera, along with a group of others, embarked on a long car journey to the border, arriving late at night. They faced a perilous trek on foot when, according to Charlas, they encountered gunfire. He claims there was no warning prior to the shooting, contradicting the official report stating the guards had attempted to halt them before firing.

Charlas described his harrowing experience of being shot and losing consciousness as another bullet struck Perera, resulting in his immediate death. Following the incident, Charlas was hospitalized, then imprisoned for nearly three weeks before being deported to India on February 28. Inquiries made by the BBC regarding the circumstances surrounding Perera's death were sent to both India’s foreign ministry and Jordanian officials.

As of now, Perera's remains remain in Jordan. The Indian foreign ministry has stated that efforts are underway to repatriate his body swiftly. Shashi Tharoor, a member of parliament from Perera's constituency, confirmed that the Indian embassy has positively identified the victim and initiated the process for transporting his remains.

Observers express deep concern over the increasing number of Indians falling prey to employment scams, which result in illegal crossings into foreign countries. Ajith Kolassery, head of Kerala’s migration oversight body, noted that many still pursue opportunities abroad despite government advisories urging caution against such rackets. In recent years, numerous Indians have been victimized by various scams leading to human trafficking and illegal immigration.

The desperation for better wages remains a driving force behind these troubling trends and dangerous journeys, as highlighted by migration experts who lament the ongoing plight of workers caught in fraudulent schemes.