Section 31. Power to prohibit emigration due to outbreak of epidemics, civil disturbances, etc., in a country.

(1) Where the Central Government has reason to believe-- (a) that intending emigrants if allowed to emigrate to any country would be exposed to serious risk to life on arrival there by reason of-- (i) outbreak of any disease or grave pollution of environment in such country, or (ii) outbreak of hostilities or civil war or civil commotion or political disturbances; (b) that by reason of India not being in diplomatic relations with that country it is not possible to protect the emigrants from discrimination, maltreatment and exploitation, it may, by notification, prohibit emigration to that country. (2) A notification issued under sub-section (1) shall have effect for such period not exceeding six months as may be specified in the notification: Provided that if the Central Government has reason to believe that any ground mentioned in sub-section (1) continues to exist, it may, from time to time, by notification, prohibit emigration to that country for such further period, not exceeding six months on each occasion, as may be specified in the notification.