Punjab Outlook

Amritsar-In a decisive move against unscrupulous travel agents, authorities in Amritsar have cancelled the licenses of 40 agents following a recent crackdown. The action came in response to allegations of agents exploiting vulnerable individuals by charging exorbitant fees to facilitate illegal immigration through perilous ‘donkey routes.’
The crackdown was initiated by Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sahni, who ordered the raid after over 300 Indians—deported from the US and Panama—returned to India earlier this month. Many of these deportees were reportedly victims of dubious travel agents who had promised them safe passage to foreign shores through illegal means.
Amritsar Police have also issued notices to 271 travel agents who failed to renew their licenses, signaling a broader cleanup in the immigration consultancy sector.
The district administration has instructed Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) to inspect the documentation of travel agents and immigration consultants across the city. Any complaints against these businesses must be reported immediately to the Deputy Commissioner’s office.
Travel agents have been warned to maintain proper records and ensure their operations are fully compliant with legal requirements. Unauthorized agents found operating without valid documentation will face strict legal action.
Sources suggest that a sting operation may be underway as part of the broader crackdown. A recent reshuffle in the police force, with new personnel assigned to oversee these investigations, points to a concerted effort to root out corruption and malpractice in the travel consultancy business.