Punjab Police Crack Down on Immigration Firms: Raids at 1,274 Locations, 24 FIRs Registered, 7 Arrested

• Feb 25, 2025

In a massive statewide crackdown, Punjab Police conducted raids and search operations at 1,274 immigration firms on Monday, targeting illegal practices in the sector.

The operation follows heightened scrutiny of illegal immigration, particularly after recent crackdowns in the United States. Special DGP (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla personally oversaw the daylong state-level operation, during which police registered 24 FIRs against non-compliant travel agents and arrested seven individuals.

Shukla stated that all Commissioners of Police (CPs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) were directed to form special teams, supervised by gazetted officers, to inspect immigration and travel firms in their respective jurisdictions.

“Strict action will be taken against travel agents found violating mandatory provisions under the Punjab Travel Professionals’ Regulation Act, 2012, or deceiving people with false promises of illegal immigration,” Shukla said.

Key Provisions of the Punjab Travel Professionals’ Regulation Act, 2012:

• All travel agents must obtain a license from the Deputy Commissioner’s office, valid for five years and renewable thereafter.
• Licensed agents must display their license prominently, maintain detailed client records, and inform authorities before advertising or organizing seminars.
• Agents are prohibited from engaging in unauthorized emigration assistance or human smuggling.
• Non-compliance can lead to license suspension, cancellation, or legal action.

Additionally, Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav has constituted a four-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by ADGP (NRI Affairs) Praveen Sinha, to probe complaints from deportees and take necessary legal action.