You are right. I too went to work in Saudi and did not pay anything - that was around 1983. But today, people pay millions to get work abroad (especially in the developing countries) - no these people all are NOT fools, it's desperation.
For example, if a Thai national (or any other national from a non privileged country) wants to visit the US, UK, EU etc on a holiday, the procedure is unbelievably complicated - and if rejected the applicant lose ALL their money. But, it helps to apply through an agent, at an enormous cost... for whatever reason.
(no, I am not referring to people who wants to over-stay illegally)
The Thai immigration procedure seems a piece of cake, comparatively.
Sad, but this is reality!