In a major crackdown on illegal immigration, the Punjab government has cancelled the licenses of 40 travel agents and several IELTS centers. The action follows growing concerns over the deportation of Indian nationals, particularly from Punjab, who had entered the United States illegally.
According to sources, the Amritsar police acted on complaints against unauthorised travel agents operating in the city, with further action expected in the coming days. Raids are being conducted to apprehend those involved in facilitating illegal migration.
Punjab Tops List of Deportees from the U.S.
Government sources revealed that Punjabis account for the highest number of Indians deported from the U.S. Recently, three flights carrying 333 deported Indians arrived on February 5, 15, and 16, with 126—nearly 38%—belonging to Punjab. Due to the large number of deportees from the state, Amritsar has seen 21 such flights since May 2020.
Crackdown on Illegal Travel Agents Intensifies
Illegal immigration, often referred to as the “Dunki route,” has been a persistent issue in Punjab, where individuals seeking a better life abroad are lured by agents offering fake visas for hefty sums. Reports indicate that more than 3,200 cases have been registered against fraudulent travel agents in Punjab over the past three years, leading to multiple arrests.
Among those caught in the crackdown was Punjabi singer Fatehjit Singh, who was arrested in September last year for his alleged involvement in illegal immigration networks. The most sought-after destinations for illegal migration include the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Australia.
Authorities have vowed to continue taking stringent action against travel agents engaging in fraudulent activities, aiming to curb illegal migration and protect vulnerable individuals from falling prey to such schemes.