MEA launches ‘Safe and legal mobility’ drive to curb irregular migration

Protector General of Emigrants (PGE) of Ministry of External Affairs Surinder Bhagat has called upon the youth of Punjab and the country to follow legal ways to go abroad instead of going illegally.

Addressing an awareness outreach programme on ‘Safe and legal mobility’ in Jalandhar, Bhagat said that anyone interested to go to foreign shores for better prospects must check the credentials of the travel agents as well. The programme was organised by the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Jalandhar, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, in association with the Protectorate of Emigrants, Chandigarh, at CT Group of Institution, Shahpur, Jalandhar.

The initiative was aimed at enhancing public awareness on safe, legal, and informed overseas employment opportunities, and sensitising aspiring youth about the dangers of irregular migration and fraudulent overseas employment offers.

A special informative pamphlet in Punjabi on legal mobility for Digital Awareness Campaign on social media platforms was also launched by Bhagat along with Protector of Emigrant, Chandigarh Yashu Deep Singh, Assistant Director of CBC Rajesh Bali, Additional Deputy Commissioner Amaninder Kaur Brar and Superintendent of Police Sarabjit Rai

Yashu Deep said that more such awareness programme will be started in other districts of the state soon. He asked the youngsters to follow the website www.emigrate.gov.in of the department and WhatsApp number 74283-21144 of Parvasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra (PNSK) to know all the details required to go abroad. He urged the youth to benefit from ongoing initiatives aimed at educating prospective youths and students about the procedures, safeguards, and authorized channels for overseas employment.

A nukkad natak on the aftermath of illegally going abroad was also staged by the team of the CBC. A random quiz on ways of Legal Mobility was also organised and winners were awarded. A number of visa consultants registered under the Punjab Travel Professional Regulation (PTPR) also attended the programme.

The programme also featured an exhibition inauguated by Bhagat on Safe and Legal Mobility Pathways showcasing awareness posters. Information stalls by Protector of Emigrants, Regional Passport Office, Jalandhar, and Common Service Centres (CSCs) were also put up for the ease of the participants to gather information.The event concluded with an emphasis on strengthening coordination among government departments, recruiting agents, and educational institutions to ensure that aspiring youths and students are well-informed, adequately skilled, and migrate through safe and authorised channels, in accordance with the provisions of the Emigration Act, 1983.

The outreach initiative reflects the Ministry of External Affairs commitment to the vision ‘Surakshit Jaaye, Prashikshit Jaaye’ —promoting safe, legal and skilled mobility of Indian citizens seeking overseas employment.