Punjab has canceled the licenses of 40 travel agents and some IELTS centers amid a controversy over the deportation of illegal Indian migrants to the US. This decision follows complaints about illegal operations in Amritsar, with ongoing police action against these agents, including raids and arrests. Notably, Punjab has a significant number of deportees, with 126 out of 333 Indians arriving on three flights recently. Since May 2020, Amritsar has seen 21 deportation flights, highlighting the issue of illegal immigration promises made by agents. Over 3,200 police cases against travel agents have been filed in the past three years.
Chandigarh:
The Punjab government has revoked the licenses of 40 travel agents amid significant controversy surrounding the deportation of Indians who have illegally migrated to the United States. Additionally, licenses for several IELTS centers have also been rescinded, with further actions anticipated in the future, according to sources.
According to sources, the Amritsar police took action following a complaint against travel agents operating unlawfully in the city, and more measures are likely to follow in the upcoming days.
The police are actively filing cases against travel agents involved in the illegal transport of Indians, with ongoing raids to apprehend them, sources reported.
The individual who filed the complaint, Sarabjit Singh, mentioned that he had submitted a letter to Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sahni.
Earlier reports from government sources indicated that individuals from Punjab represent the largest group among those being deported by the US. Three repatriation flights arrived on February 5, February 15, and February 16, transporting a total of 333 Indians, with Punjab accounting for the highest number—126 individuals or 37.8 percent—of those deported, sources said.
This clarification follows Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s objections to the flights arriving in his state. Sources stated that due to the high number of Punjabis among the deportees, a total of 21 flights have landed in Amritsar since May 2020.
Instances of illegal immigration from Punjab have been extensively reported, where individuals seeking a better life are promised visas to travel abroad for substantial fees, only to find themselves using counterfeit visas—this has led to the term “Dunki route” gaining traction.
Reports indicate that over 3,200 police cases have been opened against travel agents in Punjab in the past three years.
Numerous arrests have been made in these cases, including that of Punjabi singer Fatehjit Singh, who was apprehended by the police in September of the previous year. The most sought-after destinations include the US, Canada, UK, and Australia.