Kerala: Emigration office sets 15-day limit

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In order to curb an usual tendency of recruiting agencies and even individuals submitting applications for emigration clearance in the last minute and pressing Protectors of Emigrants (PoEs) for quick clearance, the Centre has directed that all applications for emigration clearance from the PoEs should be submitted at least 15 working days ahead of the expiry of the visa.

According to a circular issued by the external affairs ministry, many applications for emigrations clearances were found to be submitted at PoE offices only when the visas are about to expire. There would be no reasonable justification for the delayed submission of  applications especially in cases where the visas were issued two or three months in advance. The last minute submission of applications would leave insufficient time for PoEs to examine all documents.
In the wake of this, the ministry directed that the applications should be submitted at least 15 days ahead of the expiry of validity. Preferably the applications should be submitted as soon as the visa is issued.

The ministry also advised that all requirements like employment contract should be executed prior to submission of application. Emigrants are also advised to make travel arrangements like booking flight tickets only after getting the emigration clearance.