‘Follow legal routes to go abroad’: MEA’s protector general of emigrants tells Punjab youth

“Young people must ensure they take safe and legal routes to go abroad. Following proper procedures protects them from fraud and exploitation,” Bhagat added.

The program – the first of its kind in Punjab – was organised by the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Jalandhar, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, in association with the Protectorate of Emigrants, Chandigarh. It aimed to enhance public awareness about safe and informed overseas employment opportunities and to caution aspiring migrants against irregular migration and fraudulent employment offers.

During the event, Bhagat, along with Yashu Deep Singh, Protector of Emigrants, Chandigarh, launched a special informative pamphlet in Punjabi on Legal Mobility and unveiled the social media hashtag #VideshRozgarSathi for a digital awareness campaign.

Speaking on the occasion, Yashu Deep Singh said similar programs will soon be conducted in other districts of Punjab. He encouraged youngsters to visit the official website http://www.emigrate.gov.in and use the WhatsApp helpline 74283-21144 of the Parvasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra (PBSK) for authentic information about legal migration.

A nukkad natak (street play) highlighting the consequences of illegal migration was also staged by the CBC team, while a quiz on safe mobility practices saw the participation of students and visitors. Winners were felicitated at the event.

Several Visa Consultants registered under the Punjab Travel Professional Regulation (PTPR) also attended the program.

An exhibition on ‘Safe and Legal Mobility Pathways’, inaugurated by Bhagat, displayed awareness posters and featured stalls by the Protector of Emigrants Office, Regional Passport Office, Jalandhar, and Common Service Centres (CSCs), providing on-the-spot guidance to participants.

The event concluded with a call for stronger coordination among government departments, recruiting agents, and educational institutions to ensure that youth migrate through safe, authorised, and skill-oriented channels as per the Emigration Act, 1983.