Punjab Police, Protectorate of Emigrants Crack Down on Illegal Travel Agents

In a decisive move to protect Punjab’s aspiring youth from illegal travel agents, the Punjab Police, in collaboration with the Protectorate of Emigrants, has launched a statewide operation. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, this operation targeted unlicensed agents who were exploiting young people by advertising fake overseas job opportunities on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

ADGP Praveen K. Sinha, heading the NRI Affairs, revealed that 25 such unscrupulous agents were booked for deceiving individuals into believing in false employment opportunities abroad. "These agents were operating without the necessary Recruiting Agent (RA) license under the Emigration Act, 1983," said ADGP Sinha, adding that their activities have resulted in the filing of 20 FIRs across various districts, including Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, and SAS Nagar.

This coordinated effort stems from a tip-off by the Protectorate of Emigrants, flagging fraudulent advertisements by unlicensed agents. These agencies lured unsuspecting youths, often extracting large sums of money under the pretence of securing overseas jobs.

ADGP Sinha advised the public to be cautious when engaging with travel agencies. "Verify the RA license before making any payments or submitting documents. Trust but verify should be the mantra when dealing with travel agents," he emphasized.

The Punjab Police remains committed to eradicating these fraudulent operations and ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens. Further investigations are ongoing.