How Punjab is cracking down on illegal travel agents
What's the story
The Punjab government has stepped up its crackdown on illegal travel agents after over 300 Indian migrants were recently deported from the United States.
The state constitutes a whopping 37.8% of all Indians deported from the US, highlighting a major issue of illegal migration.
These unauthorized agents often prey on young Punjabis' dreams of going abroad, using student visas, fake marriages, and the risky "Dunki Route."
Government response
Punjab government's actions against illegal travel agents
In Amritsar, authorities canceled the licenses of 40 travel agents after a complaint was lodged. Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sahni ordered strict action against the unauthorized operations.
Separately, in Jalandhar, 271 agents were issued show-cause notices for not renewing their licenses.
The crackdown also extends to International English Language Testing System (IELTS) centers suspected of irregular activities.
Law enforcement
Police action and regulatory measures against illegal agents
Police are actively registering cases against these agents and conducting raids to nab offenders.
Sub-divisional magistrates are inspecting travel agents' documents, while district police have been instructed to report complaints promptly.
NRI Minister Kuldeep Dhaliwal revealed that 17 FIRs have been filed against unlicensed agents between February 5 and 23.
Travel agents are now required to maintain proper records and complete documentation, with strict action threatened against those violating laws.
Legal proceedings
Punjab's legal action under Human Smuggling Act
Punjab has filed 3,225 FIRs against travel agents in three years under the Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act, 2012.
Mohali reported the most cases, followed by Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur. Arrests include Punjabi singer Fatehjit Singh.
Captain SP Singh from the Association of Licensed Immigration and Education Consultants (ALIEC) pointed out challenges in regulating fake agents.
"Travel agents are required to display license number prominently outside offices...However, they are....active on social media platforms, making it difficult," he told Indian Express.
Deportee challenges
Deportees' reluctance to file complaints, government's support measures
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal told The Tribune that many deportees are reluctant to complain against their agents out of shock or fear of exposing their travel methods.
They have been assured that only the agents will face action.
To help returnees, skill development and rehabilitation programs have been launched to help them find employment opportunities in Punjab.