Bring unethical travel agents to justice

A treacherous journey

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Many people's dreams were crushed when they were apprehended after long journeys through jungles, scaling impossible hills and crossing treacherous rivers in search of a better life abroad. On deportation, they were seen stumbling out of a US military transport plane, shackled, bound and fettered with their heads bowed. It was a massive frame that contrasted sharply with the fragile hopes it carried. Numerous individuals who engage in unauthorised migration exemplify the lure of the American dream, often traversing arduous paths to arrive at the shores after remitting substantial sums to travel agents. The deportation is a resounding call for justice against unscrupulous travel agents who prey on vulnerability, turning dreams into nightmares. Though the Ludhiana administration has launched a crackdown on the illegal immigration network, the need of the hour is to impose sanctions on the predatory agents who traffic in false hopes and bring them to justice for the lives they have destroyed.

Novin Christopher

Provide opportunities to youth here

The Ludhiana administration has launched a crackdown on illegal immigration networks exploiting youths seeking employment abroad. This move comes amid rising deportations, with 333 individuals deported to India (126 from Punjab) as of February 17, following stricter US immigration policies. Illegal immigration poses severe risks, including life-threatening journeys, massive debts and exploitation by human traffickers. To protect youth, the administration must launch awareness campaigns highlighting the dangers of illegal immigration, apprehend traffickers, incentivise public reporting such cases with rewards, provide career counselling to guide youth towards legitimate opportunities and strengthen legal pathways for overseas employment through government collaboration. By combining enforcement with education and empowerment, Ludhiana can safeguard its youth and dismantle these dangerous networks effectively.

Aashish Godara

Govt should create job avenues in india

To fulfil their dreams of visiting foreign lands for greener pastures, some gullible youngsters in the state are falling prey to travel agents, losing their money, usually earned through the sale of ancestral lands or taking debts from banks and relatives. In some cases, youngsters have even lost their precious lives. People must be educated about the risks of illegal entry into other countries. The state should promote stability, education and employment opportunities and reduce the drivers of forced migration, thereby enabling the youth to shun the idea of going abroad. People are less likely to leave the country if they are satisfied with their living conditions here. The state police should launch a dedicated helpline to save people from fraudulent travel agents. Cases should be registered against the travel agents on charges of cheating the illegal immigrants who were deported by the US. An act for the registration and regulation of travel agents should be enacted to tackle their cheating activities.

RS Sembhi

Adopt safe, legal path for immigration

To avoid falling prey to illegal immigration networks, individuals should take several precautions. First, always verify the legitimacy of immigration consultants by checking their registration with the government authorities. Avoid agents who promise guaranteed visas or ask for large upfront payments without proper documentation. Second, stay informed about official immigration policies by referring to embassy websites and government portals. Do not rely solely on third-party sources for crucial information. Third, be cautious of fake job offers abroad. Cross-check opportunities with reputable recruitment agencies and confirm employment details directly with the employer. Fourth, never submit original documents or share personal information with unverified agents, as this can lead to fraud or identity theft. Lastly, report any suspicious activities to law-enforcement agencies to help prevent others from becoming victims. Awareness, due diligence and legal guidance are key to ensuring a safe and legal immigration process.

Parmeet

Multi-faceted approach needed

ACombating fraudulent practices in the realm of illegal immigration requires a multi-faceted approach involving government agencies, law enforcement, legal frameworks and public awareness. First, update and enforce stricter immigration laws to penalise fraudulent activities, such as fake documentation, human trafficking, and illegal employment. Second, make it a criminal offence to engage in or facilitate illegal immigration through fraudulent means, including falsifying documents or providing misleading information. Third, collaborate with other countries to harmonise laws and share intelligence on illegal immigration networks. Fourth, immigration consultants, lawyers and agencies must operate legally and ethically. Fifth, identify and prosecute individuals or organisations producing counterfeit passports, visas or work permits. Sixth, the government must track and shut down websites or social media pages offering fraudulent immigration services. Seventh, use advanced technology to verify the authenticity of immigration. Eighth, inform potential immigrants about the risks of using fraudulent services and the legal consequences of illegal immigration. Ninth, highlight legitimate immigration routes and resources for those seeking to migrate. Tenth, encourage the public to report suspicious activities or fraudulent schemes related to immigration. Eleventh, raids must be carried out on the illegal agencies involved in fraudulent immigration services. Twelveth, People must discourage their wards and relatives to adopt illegal route of immigration.

Dr Mohd Saleem Farooqui

Awareness campaigns needed to check frauds

To protect youth from falling prey to illegal immigration networks in Ludhiana, a multi-faceted approach is essential. First, awareness campaigns in schools, colleges and local communities should be launched, educating young people about the dangers and legal consequences of illegal immigration. These campaigns can utilise social media, workshops and posters to reach a broader audience. Second, strengthening collaboration among law-enforcement, immigration authorities and educational institutions can help identify and monitor suspicious activities or networks targeting vulnerable individuals. Establishing confidential helplines and support systems would provide a safe platform for youth to report illegal agents and seek advice without fear of retribution. Moreover, offering skill development programmes and job opportunities within the region can reduce the lure of migration by showcasing local employment potential and career growth. These measures, when implemented effectively. This can significantly curb the influence of illegal immigration networks and protect youth from exploitation.

Jasmeet Kaur

Create affordable immigration pathways

The rise of illegal immigration networks is a serious concern, and protecting our youth from falling into their trap requires strong measures. First, awareness campaigns should be conducted in schools, colleges and villages to educate young people about the risks of illegal immigration and frauds. Secondly, the government should create affordable and transparent legal immigration pathways so that youth do not seek unsafe alternatives. Strict action must be taken against fraudulent agents and a helpline should be set up for people to report suspicious activities. Parents should also guide their children about safer career options within India and abroad. Skill development programmes and job opportunities must be expanded to reduce the desperation for foreign jobs. Lastly, verified success stories of legal immigration should be highlighted to encourage youth to follow the right path. Together, we can prevent our youth from becoming victims of these dangerous networks.

Prabhjot Singh

Issue licences to those in migration industry

To stop youth here for falling prey to the immigration network, the district administration must make arrangements to issue proper licences to those who want to start this work of sending people abroad and only a person having the licence should be allowed to undertake this work. The administration must keep a strict watch that no person other than the licence-holder only has taken up this work of sending a person abroad on proper assignment there. Such working people may have contacts abroad to know about the availability of jobs there and must ensure that the youth are sent abroad for proper jobs and through recognised channels. The defaulter workers must not be allowed to continue this work and they must be heavily fined or their licence should be immediately cancelled. Further, a definite fee must be fixed for sending the youth abroad for proper jobs. Such work-houses must have the man-power to reach the embassy office concerned in India for obtaining visa etc for the travelling youth. This will also generate jobs for the youth in India in the offices of these newly created work places. These steps will help the youth to stop contacting the ill-legal immigrating agencies for going abroad.

Gautam Dev

Don't fall in trap of spurious agents

As a 19-year-old, I have seen many young people fall into the trap of illegal immigration, believing it will lead them to success faster, but the truth is far from it. Agents take advantage of their dreams and betray them. To prevent this, the government should take strict action against immigration fraudsters and spread awareness through educational campaigns and conduct career counseling in schools and colleges. Families should also be made aware so they can guide their children. More career opportunities, skill-based training and financial support for students can help reduce the desperation to go abroad illegally. The youth need to be encouraged to build a future here rather than falling into dangerous traps.

Sneha Bhaskar

Inform govt about illegal agents

To stop agencies involved in illegal immigration services, local government must collect proof of the agency's illegal activities, such as fraudulent documents or testimonials from victims. One must inform local law-enforcement, immigration authorities or national agencies responsible for combating human trafficking and illegal immigration. If anyone is suspicious, he must submit a formal complaint to the relevant regulatory bodies, such as state licensing authorities. Share information about the agency's illegal activities on social media, online fora and with local communities to prevent others from falling victim. Partner with non-government organisations (NGOs) focused on combating human trafficking and illegal immigration to amplify their efforts. The other way is to provide assistance and resources to the victims of the agency's illegal activities, such as counselling, legal aid or relocation support.

Farzana Khan

Question for next week

The district administration has launched the 24x7 ASMAAH helpline at 9646470777 for free counselling, support, and guidance to the students feeling anxiety, mental stress or any other problem during exams. What more needs to be done to keep them calm during exams?

Suggestions in not more than 150 words with passport size photograph can be mailed to ludhianadesk@tribunemail.com by Thursday (February 27)