Face2News/Chandigarh
The Central Bureau of Communication, Chandigarh, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, in collaboration with the Protectorate of Emigrants (PoE), Chandigarh, Ministry of External Affairs, organized a street play this afternoon near the Passport Seva Kendra, Industrial Area, Phase 2, Chandigarh.
The street play, themed “Surakshit Jayen, Prashikshit Jayen”, aimed to create awareness among passport applicants and passport holders about safe and legal avenues for overseas employment, the utility of the Ministry of External Affairs’ flagship eMigrate portal (www.emigrate.gov.in), and important Do’s and Don’ts for those seeking overseas employment, work visas, and work permits. Around 100–150 awareness pamphlets were distributed to the gathered audience to further reinforce the message.
More such plays will be organized in the coming months across the region in collaboration with the Central Bureau of Communication to reach a larger audience and spread awareness on this crucial subject.
Through the street play, the following key messages were shared with the public:
Choose Only Registered Recruiting Agents: Avoid fake or unregistered agents and do not trust social media advertisements or success stories. Always select a Registered Recruiting Agent and verify their license on www.emigrate.gov.in.
The Protectorate of Emigrants reiterated that no agent or agency is authorized to recruit Indian citizens for overseas employment or to advertise overseas jobs, work visas, work permits, or employment visas for any foreign country without a valid license issued by the Ministry of External Affairs. Such actions without a license are a violation of the Emigration Act, 1983, and constitute a punishable offence.
Verify Visa Requirements Yourself: Always check visa formalities on official embassy websites (e.g., for the UK visit www.gov.uk; for the USA visit https://in.usembassy.gov). Understand the process rather than relying blindly on agents.
Make Payments Safely: Always pay only into the official company or firm’s account of the agent via online transfer or bank deposit. Avoid cash payments and always collect an official receipt.
Avoid Misuse of Visitor Visas: Do not be misled into working abroad on a visitor visa, as it is illegal and may lead to deportation.
Report Fraud: If you are approached by any registered or unregistered agency promising a work visa, work permit, or overseas job and demanding cash, report it immediately at www.emigrate.gov.in or call the 24x7 Toll Free Number 1800 11 3090. Complaints can also be filed in person at the Protectorate of Emigrants, Sector 34A, Chandigarh.
Stay Updated: Regularly visit www.emigrate.gov.in for advisories issued by Indian Missions abroad and subscribe to the PBSK WhatsApp Channel for timely updates.
The Protectorate of Emigrants reiterated that no agent or agency is authorized to recruit Indian citizens for overseas employment or to advertise overseas jobs, work visas, work permits, or employment visas for any foreign country without a valid license issued by the Ministry of External Affairs. Such actions without a license are a violation of the Emigration Act, 1983, and constitute a punishable offence.
In addition to on-ground awareness efforts, a digital campaign is also ongoing to inform aspiring emigrants, especially the youth, through the official social media handles of the Protectorate of Emigrants, Chandigarh: Twitter: @PoEChandigarh and Instagram: @poechandigarh.
These initiatives together aim to promote safe, legal, and informed overseas mobility for citizens of the region.