137 immigration agents likely to face action for violating norms

Following the deportation of Indians from the USA, Deputy Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal has initiated a drive against illegal immigration centres in the district through SDMs concerned to check the documents/details of centres. Under the drive 137 immigration agents have been identified for failing to comply with the mandatory provisions of the Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act and the Punjab Travel Professionals Regulation Act of 2012.

Advertisement

The DC has written to the Commissioner of Police as well as the Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) of Khanna and Ludhiana Rural to take action against these 137 immigration agents as per law. Giving details about this exercise, Jorwal said that the drive had been initiated about a fortnight back and the report was submitted by the officials yesterday, following which action was recommended today.

“This action follows reports submitted by SDMs, who inspected the offices of travel agents and immigration consultants, along with their police counter parts, within their jurisdictions. The documents of travel agents and immigration firms were thoroughly examined, resulting in the current enforcement measures,” maintained the DC, adding that these centres were in the city and periphery areas.

He further emphasised that these checks were intended to prevent unauthorised agents from defrauding individuals who wish to travel abroad. Additionally, he urged travel agents in the district to maintain proper office records and refrain from operating with incomplete documentation.

Jorwal also appealed to individuals aspiring to travel abroad to always choose legal immigration routes and advised them to only consult registered immigration consultants, whose details were available on the official website of the district administration, ludhiana.nic.in.