Chennai: The Office of the Protector of Emigrants (PoE), Tamil Nadu, under the Ministry of External Affairs, organized a Walkathon at Elliots Beach, Chennai, to promote safe and legal emigration.

The event marked the launch of Paathu Ponga, a month-long awareness campaign aimed at educating the public on the risks of unauthorized overseas job placements.

The walkathon was flagged off by Dr. Sandeep Mittal, ADGP Cybercrime, and Surinder Bhagat, Protector General of Emigrants (PGE), who highlighted the government's initiatives to curb illegal emigration. Krishnamoorthy, Commissioner for the Rehabilitation of Non-Resident Tamils, also participated in the event.

Around 400 people took part in the walkathon, which featured performances by the State Police Band and a street play by Uzhavan Kalai Kuzhu on safe emigration practices.

Rajkumar M, Protector of Emigrants, Tamil Nadu, emphasized the importance of the Paathu Ponga campaign and actions taken against illegal agents.

Citizens can report illegal recruitment or cyber slavery cases by contacting the PoE Chennai Office at 9042149222.

For details on licensed agents and official advisories, visit www.emigrate.gov.in.