The Ministry of External Affairs has cautioned Indian nationals to exercise strict vigilance amid a spike in 'false promises of employment' in Iran.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said: "There have been a number of recent cases involving Indian citizens who have been lured to travel to Iran on false promises of employment, or with assurances that they would be sent further to third-countries for employment."

"Upon reaching Iran, these Indian nationals have been kidnapped by criminal gangs and ransoms have been demanded from their families for securing their release," the statement said.

MEA said all Indian citizens are strongly cautioned to exercise the 'strictest vigilance' regarding such employment promises or offers.

"In particular, it may be noted that the Government of Iran allows visa-free entry to Indians only for tourism purposes," the statement said.

The MEA said any agents promising visa-free entry into Iran for employment or other purposes may well be in connivance with criminal gangs.

"Indian citizens are therefore advised not to fall prey to such offers," the statement said.

The advisory was issued days after a 26-year-old man from Delhi was allegedly tortured and kidnapped in Iran.

The victim, Himanshu Mathur, was reportedly held captive for a week before being freed following a ransom payment of Rs 20 lakh by his family, The Times of India reported.