Meghalaya: Online portal for registration of citizens living abroad launched

Shillong: In response to the recent violence in Bangladesh that prompted hundreds of Indian students, including dozens from Meghalaya, to flee the country, the state cabinet has approved an online portal for the registration of working professionals and students from the state living abroad.

This initiative aims to facilitate a smoother and faster evacuation process in the event of future emergencies.

Although Indian citizens abroad are already encouraged to register with the nearest Indian embassy or consular office, this is not mandatory, and most individuals do not do so until an emergency arises.

The new portal, accessible through the existing government website meghalayaone.gov.in, will enable voluntary registration, creating a confidential database of Meghalaya residents and students abroad.

According to Cabinet Minister Paul Lyngdoh, "This move is crucial, as the recent incidents in Bangladesh highlighted the need for a database of Meghalayans living or travelling abroad."

Senior civil servant CVD Diengdoh emphasized that registration is not compulsory but will provide a valuable database for emergencies, ensuring confidentiality and restricted access.