Things in Asia are starting to look up with airlines like Indigo, GO Air, Jet Airways coming out with advertisements and commercials which just means they have spare money to throw around, plus they are hiring too. And not just hiring but milking the situation.
To appear for an interview and airline exam you have to pay anything between 200 to 400$. This just makes you eligible to take the exam. If you manage to clear the exam and interview you have to pay for your own type rating which is through one of the airlines code share schools. This is a good opportunity for 250hour hero's provided they are ready to shell out the money and not just that, they need to know their stuff too. So its not just about knowing the right people and loads of money.
The recession seems to be getting over for the industry but the rules of the game are definitely changing. Guess this will continue till the Pilot demand and supply equation doesn't overturn.