Over 300 Indians Deported from the US and Panama as Authorities Tighten Immigration Regulations
Authorities in Punjab have cancelled the licenses of 40 travel agents as part of a sweeping crackdown on illegal immigration networks, commonly known as the ‘donkey route’.
The action follows the recent deportation of over 300 Indians from the United States and Panama, many of whom were allegedly misled by fraudulent agents promising safe passage to foreign countries through illegal means.
The crackdown was initiated by Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sahni, who ordered raids after a wave of deportations earlier this month. In addition to the license cancellations, authorities have:
Issued notices to 271 travel agents who failed to renew their licenses.
Ordered inspections of immigration consultancies across the district.
Warned unauthorized agents of strict legal action for operating without valid documentation.
Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) have been tasked with examining travel agents’ paperwork, and complaints against agencies are being directly reported to the Deputy Commissioner’s office.
Sources indicate that a sting operation may be underway, with newly assigned police personnel focusing on rooting out corruption in the immigration sector.
The Punjab government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Praveen Sinha to combat illegal immigration scams.
“As many as 131 people from Punjab have been deported from the U.S., with 127 arriving on U.S. military flights and four more landing in Amritsar recently,” Sinha said.
Key developments so far:
- 17 complaints have been filed, resulting in 17 legal cases and three arrests.
- Travel agents’ paperwork is under scrutiny across Punjab.
- Authorities are raising awareness about the risks of illegal migration.
Punjab’s Travel Professions Regulation Act has played a crucial role in monitoring and controlling travel agencies, ticketing businesses, and consultancy services.
Since the law’s enactment, authorities have registered 3,300 cases against unlicensed travel agents, underscoring the scale of fraudulent practices in the industry.
NRI Minister Kuldeep Dhaliwal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling the issue, stating:
“From February 5 to 23, we have filed 17 FIRs against illegal agents. We will take strict action against any travel agent exploiting migrants.”
While acknowledging the risks of illegal immigration, Congress MLA Bawa Henry emphasized the need for a more structured and legal approach to migration.
“Migration for better opportunities is not inherently bad, but we must create an environment with quality education and employment so our children stay in Punjab,” Henry said.
He suggested that collaboration between travel agents and the government could establish legal migration pathways, ensuring safer and regulated immigration.
Historically, the ‘donkey route’ issue was concentrated in Punjab’s Doaba region, but officials warn that it has now spread to Malwa and Majha, necessitating broader and more effective enforcement measures.
With the Punjab government intensifying its crackdown, both travel agents and potential migrants are being urged to follow legal channels, as authorities tighten regulations to prevent further exploitation.