Chandigarh, February 2025 – In a significant move, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Punjab government to urgently address the rising issue of illegal travel agents and human trafficking that have been exploiting innocent citizens. This directive has been issued following a series of deportations of undocumented Indian immigrants from the United States, once again bringing to light the longstanding issues associated with illegal immigration from Punjab.

Court Orders Punjab Government to Act on Plea Against Illegal Travel Agents

On February 17, 2025, the Punjab and Haryana High Court, led by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Harmeet Singh Grewal, passed a crucial order after hearing the plea filed by advocate Kanwar Pahul Singh. The petitioner requested the court's intervention to ensure that the state government takes appropriate measures against illegal travel agents who have been misleading individuals by facilitating illegal overseas travel.

Singh's petition emphasized the significant repercussions of illegal immigration, particularly in light of the recent mass deportations by the United States that impacted numerous individuals from Punjab. These individuals were misled by deceptive agents who promised enhanced employment prospects and educational opportunities, only to encounter deportation upon their arrival in the US.
 

The court has subsequently instructed the Punjab government to implement effective measures to tackle this issue, concentrating on actions against these unethical travel agents and enacting preventive strategies to safeguard citizens from such exploitation.
 

The Aftermath of US Deportations: A Wake-Up Call for Punjab

The deportation of several illegal Indian immigrants from the United States in early February 2025 has shed light on the growing menace of illegal immigration, especially from Punjab. Many of these deported individuals had been misled by fake travel agents who promised them a better life abroad. However, once they arrived in the US, they were either left stranded without legal documentation or found to be in violation of immigration laws.

This incident has inflicted significant financial and emotional hardship on numerous families in Punjab, who were coerced into paying substantial amounts to these deceitful agents in exchange for the prospect of emigration. The court's decision arrives at a crucial moment, as the state contends with a rising tide of illegal immigration and human trafficking perpetuated by unscrupulous travel agents.
 

 Establishment of Emigration Check Posts and Certified Agent Lists

The petitioner, advocate Kanwar Pahul Singh, has proposed several solutions to curb illegal immigration and protect the citizens of Punjab from falling victim to fraudulent agents. One of the key demands is the establishment of "emigration check posts" in every district of Punjab under the Emigration Act of 1983. These check posts would serve as regulatory bodies, ensuring that the emigration process is conducted transparently and legally.

In addition, Singh has called for an updated list of "certified recruiting agents and permitted employers" operating outside India. This list would provide the public with a trusted resource to identify legitimate agents and employers, reducing the chances of individuals falling prey to fraudulent schemes.

By implementing these measures, the petitioner hopes to streamline the emigration process and ensure that people have access to reliable, legal channels for seeking opportunities abroad.

A Call for Immediate Action Against Fake Travel Agents

Another critical aspect of the petition is the urgent call for action against fake travel agents operating within Punjab. These agents have been deceiving people by offering fake promises of overseas opportunities and charging hefty sums for services that lead to illegal immigration.

Singh has urged the Punjab government to take strict action under the Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act to shut down these operations and prevent the trafficking of individuals via illegal routes, commonly known as "donkey routes." These routes are often used to smuggle people into foreign countries without proper documentation or legal procedures.

By taking swift action against these agents, the Punjab government can help protect the state's residents from becoming victims of human trafficking and illegal immigration.

Centre's Response and Collaborative Efforts

Advocate Dheeraj Jain, representing the Central government, informed the court that the petitioner had been directed to submit his representation to both the state and central authorities within a month. The court has ordered the state and central governments to carefully review the representation and take appropriate action on the matter.

This marks a significant step toward tackling the issue of illegal immigration at both the state and national levels. The court's intervention emphasizes the need for a coordinated approach between the state government, the Centre, and law enforcement agencies to address this growing issue and protect the interests of vulnerable citizens.

Recent Complaints Highlight the Scale of the Problem

Advocate Jain also mentioned that the Protector of Emigrants in Chandigarh had forwarded a total of 127 complaints regarding unscrupulous agents to the Punjab government over the past year. Of these complaints, 57 were from victims who had been defrauded by illegal travel agents.

The high number of complaints underscores the widespread nature of the problem, which has been affecting thousands of individuals across Punjab. The urgency of the issue is clear, and the government must take immediate steps to address it and prevent further exploitation.

Formation of Special Investigation Team to Probe Human Trafficking

In response to the growing concerns over illegal immigration and human trafficking, the Punjab government has formed a special investigation team (SIT) under the Punjab Police to probe the activities of illegal travel agents and human traffickers. The SIT's mandate is to investigate and dismantle the networks involved in smuggling individuals into foreign countries via illegal means.

The establishment of this team is a positive step toward addressing the issue, as it shows that the government is taking a proactive approach to curbing human trafficking and protecting its citizens. The SIT will also work closely with federal authorities to track down and apprehend the agents responsible for illegal immigration.

 Strengthening Legal Framework and Preventing Exploitation

The court's ruling and the subsequent actions taken by the Punjab government are important steps toward addressing the serious issue of illegal immigration and human trafficking. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that such exploitation is prevented in the future.

The establishment of emigration check posts, the creation of an updated list of certified agents, and the crackdown on fraudulent travel agents will help bring transparency to the emigration process and protect potential emigrants from falling victim to scams. Additionally, strengthening the legal framework for tackling human trafficking will ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable and brought to justice.