The Punjab government has intensified its crackdown on fraudulent travel agents following India Today TV’s exposé on the illicit 'donkey route' migration business. The licenses of 40 travel agents in Amritsar were revoked after revelations that several immigration consultants were charging exorbitant fees to help Indian citizens enter foreign countries illegally. Many of these agents were linked to individuals recently deported from the United States.
The operation was conducted under the directive of Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sahni, who ordered inspections of travel agents' offices and immigration consultancies. Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) have been tasked with verifying documents, while district police have been instructed to report any complaints about unauthorized agents to the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Travel agents have been warned to maintain proper records and ensure their documentation is complete, with stringent action promised against those found operating illegally.
This crackdown follows the recent deportation of over 300 Indians from the US and Panama, with 131 of them hailing from Punjab. Many of these individuals had paid hefty sums to agents who promised them illegal entry into foreign countries. In response, the Punjab government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Praveen Sinha, to track down and take action against fraudulent travel agents.
ADGP Sinha confirmed that so far, only 17 deportees have come forward to file official complaints, leading to the registration of 17 FIRs and the arrest of three travel agents. He acknowledged the findings of India Today TV’s 'Operation Dunki' investigation, which shed light on the widespread human smuggling racket. He assured that the Punjab Police is thoroughly checking travel agents' paperwork and raising awareness about the dangers of illegal migration, urging people to follow legal procedures.
The issue has sparked reactions from political leaders. Punjab’s NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Dhaliwal emphasized that the AAP government has been proactive in taking strict action against illegal agents. Between February 5 and 23, 17 FIRs were filed against such operators, and Dhaliwal assured that any written complaints from victims would be dealt with seriously.
Congress MLA Bawa Henry acknowledged the deep-rooted migration culture in Punjab, which dates back to the early 20th century. While seeking opportunities abroad is not inherently bad, he criticized successive governments for failing to create local opportunities through quality education and employment. He stressed the need for legal migration pathways and suggested collaboration between the government and travel agencies to regulate the process.
Henry also pointed out that while illegal migration was once concentrated in Punjab’s Doaba region, it has now spread to Malwa and Majha as well. He expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of FIRs against travel agents, suggesting that many accused operators would eventually be exonerated due to legal loopholes.
Meanwhile, sources indicate that a sting operation is currently underway, and further action against dubious travel agents is expected in the coming days. Over the past 48 hours, there has also been a police reshuffle, with new officers being assigned to handle cases related to illegal migration networks.
Punjab has been at the center of illegal migration cases for years, with thousands of families paying large sums to agents in hopes of reaching countries like the US, Canada, and Europe. The state has a Travel Professions Regulation Act, under which 3,300 cases have been registered against unlicensed travel agents since its inception. However, the problem remains widespread, with fraudulent agents frequently evading legal consequences.
With the ongoing SIT investigation and increased scrutiny, the Punjab government aims to dismantle these illegal networks and ensure that aspiring migrants follow legal channels. However, the challenge remains significant, as demand for foreign opportunities continues to drive many toward risky and unauthorized means of migration.
