Go abroad through Foreign Coop Dept, not 'donkey route': Minister

Haryana Foreign Cooperation Minister Rao Narbir Singh today urged parents to avoid shortcuts like "donkey routes" when sending their children abroad, saying they should send them only with the guidance of the Foreign Cooperation Department.

He said the state government was closely monitoring illegal immigration agencies involved in "kabutarbazi" (human trafficking) and would take strict legal action against them. He warned youth against falling prey to such illegal means.

To address the issue, the government had established the Foreign Cooperation Department, he said.

Recognising the significant demand for drivers, plumbers, masons, and other construction workers in the Gulf, the government was offering facilities for learning foreign languages and obtaining certifications from related agencies, said a government spokesperson. The government would bear the cost of the certifications.

The minister highlighted the government's commitment to providing skills as per the needs of foreign countries. A policy was being framed to train Haryana's youth in various languages to facilitate this.

“Furthermore, the government has launched a portal through the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam for youth interested in working abroad. By registering on the portal, youth can secure legitimate opportunities to work abroad," the spokesperson added.