New Delhi: Punjab has launched a major crackdown on illegal immigration agents, revoking the licenses of 40 travel agencies and several IELTS centres in response to the rising number of Indian citizens, primarily from Punjab, being deported from the United States. The action follows widespread public outrage and significant political pressure, prompting authorities to address it.
The crackdown, spearheaded by Amritsar police, began with a formal complaint filed by Sarabjit Singh, who had previously alerted Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sahni. The police have already initiated numerous cases against travel agents facilitating illegal immigration and are conducting ongoing raids to apprehend those involved. Sources indicate that further action is expected in the coming days.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the sheer number of Punjab residents affected by recent US deportations. Government sources revealed that of the 333 Indians deported on three separate flights in February, a staggering 126 (37.8% per cent) deportees were from Punjab.
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The term “Dunki route,” referring to the deceptive practices used by these agencies, has become increasingly prevalent. Individuals seeking better opportunities abroad are lured by promises of legitimate visas, only to be exploited through fraudulent schemes.
The scale of the illegal immigration operation is vast. Over the past three years, more than 3,200 police cases have been registered against travel agents in Punjab, resulting in several arrests, including that of Punjabi singer Fatehjit Singh in September 2023. The most popular destinations for these illegal immigration routes include the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia.
A recent deportation of 131 Punjab immigrants on military aircraft further highlighted the gravity of the issue. Despite the high number of deportees, only 18 filed police complaints, indicating the fear and intimidation tactics likely employed by the fraudulent immigration agencies.
Amritsar police have intensified their efforts, with raids conducted on numerous travel agencies, revealing discrepancies in documentation. Assistant Commissioner of Police (North), Arvind Meena, reported that at least 60 travel agency offices were inspected in Ranjit Avenue alone, with eight agencies flagged for document irregularities.
Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar confirmed that a city-wide campaign targeting illegal immigration agents is underway, with actions expected to continue for several weeks. The district administration has also taken action, cancelling the licenses of over 30 travel agencies for failing to renew their registrations. Stricter regulations and increased scrutiny of travel agencies are expected to follow to curb illegal immigration and protect those vulnerable to exploitation.
