Immigration Scam Crackdown : In a significant turn of events, the Punjab state government has taken a resolute stand against the growing menace of immigration scams that has plagued the dreams of aspiring students and job seekers. Following a shocking incident where around 750 students were deceived by travel agents in India while pursuing their education in Canada, the government has launched an ambitious campaign to root out illegitimate immigration agencies, travel agents, and IELTS coaching centres operating within the state.
The NRI Minister, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, announced that a comprehensive checking campaign has been initiated to scrutinize the activities of various institutions and agencies. The campaign, which is set to conclude by September 10, aims to identify organizations that are operating outside the bounds of the law and prescribed conditions. However, those willing to adhere to the legal framework will be given an opportunity to rectify their operations like Immigration Scam.
The responsibility for executing this vital mission of finding the Immigration Scam was entrusted to the district-level Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). As part of the thorough inspection, meticulous examinations of documents belonging to numerous institutions and companies were conducted. The data amassed during this process revealed a staggering number – a total of 7179 travel agents, agencies, and offices were accounted for.
Disturbingly, the investigation brought to light that 271 of these entities were operating without legal authorization. To address this alarming issue of the Immigration Scam, FIRs have been filed against 25 organizations, signifying the government’s commitment to restoring integrity and safeguarding the interests of students and job seekers.
Immigration Scam Crackdown & Punjab Government Reflects
The proactive approach taken by the Punjab government reflects its dedication to upholding the rights of its citizens and ensuring their aspirations are not compromised by unscrupulous elements. This campaign also highlights the state’s responsiveness to concerns raised by the NRI community, as a remarkable 588 out of 609 complaints from NRI gatherings have already been resolved, with the remaining cases actively under investigation.
The gravity of the situation prompted key officials, including Dilip Kumar, the Principal Secretary of the NRI Affairs Department, to play an active role in addressing the issue. Their presence serves as a testament to the government’s unwavering determination to combat fraudulent practices and create an environment conducive to legitimate opportunities for education and employment.
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