The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a crucial advisory for the ambitious youth of Punjab, strongly urging them to utilize only authorized and secure pathways for overseas employment and education. This call to action was central to a landmark awareness program on 'Safe and Legal Mobility' held in Jalandhar.
Government's Direct Message to Aspiring Migrants
During the event, Surinder Bhagat, the Protector General of Emigrants (PGE), addressed attendees with a clear and firm message. He cautioned young individuals against falling into the traps set by unscrupulous illegal agents who promise quick fixes for going abroad. "Young people must ensure they take safe and legal routes to go abroad. Following proper procedures protects them from fraud and exploitation," Bhagat emphasized.
He detailed that anyone looking to work or study in a foreign country must perform due diligence. This includes thoroughly verifying the credentials of travel agents and recruiting agencies before making any payments or commitments. This inaugural program in Punjab was organized by the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Jalandhar, in collaboration with the Protectorate of Emigrants based in Chandigarh.
New Initiatives for Public Awareness
The event served as a platform to launch several new resources designed to empower potential migrants with correct information. A special informative pamphlet in Punjabi on Legal Mobility was unveiled to ensure the guidance is accessible in the local language.
Furthermore, officials launched a digital campaign using the hashtag #VideshRozgarSathi to spread awareness on social media platforms. Yashu Deep Singh, the Protector of Emigrants from Chandigarh, announced that similar outreach programs will soon be organized in other districts across Punjab to widen the campaign's reach.
Singh actively encouraged youngsters to use official channels for information. He pointed them towards the official website http://www.emigrate.gov.in and the WhatsApp helpline 74283-21144 operated by the Parvasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra (PBSK) for verified and authentic guidance on legal migration processes.
Engaging the Community Through Interactive Sessions
The program was not just about speeches and pamphlets. To drive the point home effectively, the CBC team staged a powerful nukkad natak (street play) that dramatized the severe consequences and risks associated with illegal migration.
An interactive quiz on safe mobility practices saw enthusiastic participation from students and other visitors, with winners being recognized at the event. The program also saw participation from several Visa Consultants registered under the Punjab Travel Professional Regulation (PTPR).
An exhibition titled 'Safe and Legal Mobility Pathways' was inaugurated by Bhagat. It featured informative posters and stalls managed by the Protector of Emigrants Office, the Regional Passport Office in Jalandhar, and Common Service Centres (CSCs), offering on-the-spot guidance to participants.
The event concluded with a collective resolution for stronger coordination among government departments, recruiting agents, and educational institutions. The overarching goal is to ensure that India's youth, particularly from states like Punjab, migrate through channels that are safe, authorized, and aligned with the Emigration Act, 1983.
