Chief Minister Meets MEA Joint Secretary and Protector General of Emigrants Surinder Bhagat

Aizawl : Today, Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma held a meeting at his office with Mr. Surinder Bhagat, IFS, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Protector General of Emigrants, who is currently visiting Mizoram. The discussion covered several important and sensitive issues.

The Chief Minister was briefed on matters concerning placement agencies, individuals being sent abroad for employment without proper documentation, the process for licensing such agencies, and the ongoing requests for prosecution sanctions under the jurisdiction of the Protector General of Emigrants.

Discussions also included:

• A case involving a Mizo woman and a man sent to China to pursue MBBS studies who have faced serious hardships;
• Biometric registration processes for refugees fleeing from Myanmar;
• The Indian government’s proposed initiative to send youth to Taiwan for employment.

On the issue of refugees from Myanmar, the Chief Minister stated that while many arrive peacefully and responsibly, some cross the border illegally, disregarding Indian regulations. He expressed concern that these actions can undermine national laws and border protocols. He emphasized that India should approach these violations seriously and expressed knowledge that the Myanmar government-issued ID cards held by many refugees are reportedly being used as a form of continuous informal deposit or re-entry validation.

In response, Mr. Surinder Bhagat noted that several unauthorized placement agencies have sent Indian nationals abroad, and these are often used to exploit Indian citizens in employment scams. He emphasized the urgent need for youth to be more aware and cautious when seeking employment abroad. Regarding employment in Taiwan, he indicated that such initiatives should ideally be government-led, ensuring safety and legality.

Following the meeting with the Chief Minister, a follow-up discussion was held with Mr. Vanlaldina Fanai, Commissioner & Secretary to the Chief Minister, along with officials from the Mizo Diaspora Cell, to further discuss collaboration between the Ministry of External Affairs and the Mizoram Government.

The meeting was attended by Pu TBC Lalvenchhunga, Adviser to the Chief Minister, Pu Vanlaldina Fanai, Commissioner & Secretary, the Chairman of the Mizo Diaspora Cell, and other senior officials from the Chief Minister’s Office.