In a determined effort to curb illegal immigration through the infamous ‘donkey route,’ the Haryana government is set to introduce a stringent law targeting fraudulent travel agents. This move comes in response to the recent deportation of hundreds of illegal Indian immigrants from the United States, including 110 individuals from Haryana alone.
Tougher Penalties for Fraudulent Travel Agents
Government sources have revealed that the upcoming legislation will impose severe penalties on unregistered travel agents who lure vulnerable youth into illegal migration. The new law proposes:
- Up to 10 years of imprisonment for those found guilty of human trafficking and illegal immigration facilitation.
- A fine of up to Rs 5 lakh as a deterrent against fraudulent activities.
- Confiscation of properties, including both movable and immovable assets of convicted agents.
This robust approach aims to dismantle the illegal network of agents exploiting innocent individuals seeking a better future abroad.
Haryana’s Legislative Push Against Illegal Immigration
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has confirmed that the Haryana government will introduce the new Bill in the upcoming budget session in March. This follows an earlier attempt in 2024 when the Haryana Registration and Regulation of Travel Agents Bill was passed but faced legal hurdles due to objections from the central government.
Dr. Sumita Misra, Additional Chief Secretary (Home), stated, “We have already registered 13 FIRs against agents involved in illegal migration. The new Bill will incorporate observations raised by the Government of India to ensure its smooth implementation.”
Tighter Regulations for Travel Agents
To enhance accountability, the proposed legislation will mandate unique identification numbers for all registered travel agents. These numbers will include district and city codes, ensuring easy tracking and verification. The key regulatory measures include:
- Mandatory registration for travel agents, requiring them to undergo police verification and administrative inspection before obtaining a certificate.
- Bank guarantee of Rs 25 lakh, which can be used to compensate victims in cases of fraud.
- Strict legal consequences, including immediate suspension of licenses for agents found guilty of misconduct.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Haryana Police has been instrumental in recommending these stringent conditions to curb human trafficking and illegal migration.
Expanding the Definition of ‘Travel Agents’
In a groundbreaking move, the Haryana government plans to broaden the definition of ‘travel agents’ to include individuals engaged in document forgery. Those involved in falsifying:
- Educational certificates
- English language test results
- Visa and travel documents
- Passports (physical or electronic)
…will now fall under the purview of this law and face severe legal action.
A Wake-Up Call Amidst Rising Deportations
The urgency of this legislation is underscored by the increasing number of deportations from the United States. Since February 5, multiple flights carrying illegal Indian immigrants have landed at Amritsar airport, with a significant portion belonging to Haryana. This alarming trend highlights the need for immediate and effective measures to prevent further exploitation of aspiring migrants.
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