Una, October 27 – Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri stated that the Himachal Government will connect youth with secure employment abroad. At a time when global competition in the employment sector is constantly increasing, the Himachal Government has taken decisive steps to ensure that the state's youth can find employment abroad through safe, legal, and reliable means.
He said that the state government will now take responsibility and streamline the entire process of sending youth abroad, ensuring that no one faces fraud, deception, or insecurity. This step is a culmination of the state government's commitment to "skills for every youth, opportunities for every talent."
He was speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural session of the state-level program of the Himachal Government's "Overseas Recruitment Drive" series held in Palakwah on Monday.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that the Himachal Government is fully committed to the bright future of the youth, and this initiative is a concrete step in that direction. He explained that under this initiative, youth will be selected based on the demand for jobs in various trades available abroad, ensuring a proper balance between skills and opportunities.

**Systematic Campaign for Overseas Employment
It is noteworthy that this program was organized under the joint auspices of the Department of Labor, Employment and Overseas Placement and the State Electronics Development Corporation Limited. This was the second such event, the first having begun in Hamirpur on October 9th.
In Palakwah, 457 youth from across the state participated in the competition for 100 trailer driver positions. Candidates' English skills were tested at the Palakwah Auditorium Complex, and the driving test was conducted at Kangar Ground. Selected candidates will be employed at Jebel Ali Port in Dubai. They will receive a monthly salary of 2,250 UAE dirhams (approximately ?52,000), accommodation, overtime allowances, and other allowances.
The Deputy Chief Minister also symbolically presented provisional offer letters to four selected youth.

**Skills are in demand abroad, the state's youth will benefit
Mr. Agnihotri said that there was a time when people were defrauded in the name of providing employment abroad. Parents would spend their hard-earned money to send their children, only to be duped by illegal means and fraud. Now, the Himachal government has decided to send youth through accessible, affordable, and legal means.
The Deputy Chief Minister stated that this is the government's safest, legal, and transparent method, enabling Himachal's youth to obtain employment abroad according to their skills. Skills are in demand abroad, and Himachal's youth will benefit from this. This initiative will innovate the functioning of employment offices and provide all possible assistance to youth.
Mr. Agnihotri also directed the department to further expand this campaign and ensure all possible assistance to youth. He also urged youth to be wary of online fraud and to be vigilant about data security.

**Formal policy for sending youth abroad for the first time
At the event, State Labor Commissioner Dr. Virendra Sharma stated that this is the first time the state government has formulated a formal policy for sending youth abroad. Youth will be sent abroad at the fees set by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Selection will be based on the demand for jobs in various trades abroad. In the first camp held in Hamirpur, 29 candidates were selected, and their visa processing has been completed. They will be formally sent abroad soon.
He stated that the government has ensured that youth sent abroad do not face any difficulties or fraud. A dedicated helpline is being established.
The State Electronics Corporation is also developing software that will allow youth to directly share their complaints and problems.

**Campaign to be expanded
The Labor Commissioner stated that this campaign will continue and will be organized in various parts of the state in the future. Information on 30 major trades in demand abroad is available on the department's portal. Interested youth can register there. They will also be notified via phone about the camp's timing.
District Labor and Employment Officer Akshay Sharma welcomed everyone on the occasion. SDM Haroli Vishal Sharma, along with other officials, and a large number of candidates and local youth from across the state were present at the event.