Chandigarh, 8 December 2024. The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is set to launch a new initiative to ensure the safety and well-being of women from Punjab residing abroad on study visas, work permits, or permanent settlement.
Punjab Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur revealed the plans during a special interaction, accentuating the government’s proactive approach to protecting daughters of the state living overseas.
Under the new policy, expected to take effect by early 2025, the Punjab Police and the Women and Child Development Department will maintain a comprehensive database of women living abroad.
Help centers and a control room will be established to provide assistance, allowing women to seek help in distressing situations if family support is unavailable. An international helpline number will also be introduced, linked to the control room for immediate response.
The initiative stems from past incidents of women being exploited abroad. For instance, 38 Punjabi women trapped in Oman last year through human trafficking were rescued after significant efforts.
Recognizing the risks faced by women abroad, the government aims to prevent such incidents and provide a safety net through this policy.
The plan also involves collaboration with immigration offices across Punjab to ensure real-time data on women travelling abroad.
Regular communication with overseas Punjabis will be conducted to gather feedback and address their concerns, showcasing the government’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens globally.