271 travel agents put on notice over non-renewal of licences
To curb human trafficking, Deputy Commissioner Dr Himanshu Aggarwal has issued notices to 271 travel agents in Jalandhar district. The notices have been served on the agents who have not got their licences renewed even after the expiry of the term. The administration’s move is also aimed at discouraging travel agents from indulging in illegal practices.
The DC has also instructed all SDMs in the district to inspect documents at the offices of travel agents and immigration consultants within their jurisdiction. According to sources, this will help in preventing unauthorised travel agents from defrauding people intending to go abroad.
Dr Aggarwal also directed the police to ensure that whenever a case was registered against any travel agent in the district, the Deputy Commissioner’s office was informed immediately.
He urged travel agents in the district to maintain office records properly and refrain from operating with incomplete documents. He said strict action would be taken against unauthorised travel agents.
He also appealed to those aspiring to go abroad to always choose legal immigration routes. He advised them to contact only registered immigration consultants, whose list was available on the websites www.jalandhar.nic.in and www.emigrate.gov.in.
He said for more information, individuals could contact the Protector General of Emigrants’ helpline at 95306-41790 or email poechd@mea.gov.in. The website also provides details on immigration rules under the Immigration Act, along with a facility to file complaints related to immigration.
Speaking to The Tribune, the DC said, “Show-cause notices have been issued to 271 travel agents so far and strict action will be taken against those failing to abide by the law. In future, those who violate norms may face additional action or cancellation of licences.”
On deportees not pressing for cases in Jalandhar, he said, “They have been counselled and our teams have reached out to them. Most of them are still in a state of shock and are unwilling to say much. Some of them may also be wary of the means through which they went. We have repeatedly assured them that action will be taken only against agents and not against them.”
The DC said skill development and rehabilitation programmes had also been started for returnees to ensure employment opportunities for them.
