Chandigarh: In one of the largest crackdowns on illegal immigration consultancies, Punjab Police raided 1,200 immigration firms, arresting seven travel agents involved in visa fraud, human trafficking, and fake documentation.
Massive Operation Targets Immigration Scams in Punjab
The raids were conducted after authorities received multiple complaints about fraudulent travel agencies scamming students, job seekers, and migrant hopefuls. Punjab has been a hotspot for illegal immigration cases, with many fake agents promising overseas jobs, student visas, and work permits in countries like Canada, the UK, the US, and Australia.
Speaking on the crackdown, a senior Punjab Police official stated:
“We have conducted raids on 1,200 unauthorized immigration firms across Punjab. Seven travel agents have been arrested, and several firms have been shut down for violating immigration laws. More arrests are expected as investigations continue.”
Fake Visas, Forged Documents Seized
During the raids, police seized:
✅ Fake passports and visas
✅ Forged employment letters
✅ Unauthorized work permits
✅ Large sums of cash linked to illegal transactions
The arrested travel agents were allegedly charging lakhs of rupees from individuals under the false promise of securing them jobs or student visas abroad.
Punjab’s Growing Immigration Scam Crisis
Punjab has witnessed a surge in fraudulent immigration cases, with thousands of youths falling victim to scams each year. Many individuals sell properties, take loans, or borrow money in the hope of securing a better future abroad, only to be cheated by unlicensed travel agents.
According to reports, fake immigration consultancies have been offering:
🔹 False job offers in Canada, the US, and Australia
🔹 Fake student visas with no actual university admissions
🔹 Illegal immigration routes to Europe and the Middle East
🔹 Fabricated work permits promising high-paying jobs abroad
A victim of such fraud, Gurpreet Singh from Ludhiana, shared his ordeal:
“I paid ₹5 lakh to an agent who promised me a work visa for Canada. After months of waiting, I realized my visa was fake, and the agent disappeared with my money.”
Government’s Response & Warning to Fake Immigration Agents
The Punjab government has now intensified its crackdown on illegal immigration businesses. Officials have warned strict legal action against those running fraudulent consultancies without proper licensing from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Bureau of Immigration.
A Punjab Police spokesperson added:
“We urge citizens to verify the credentials of immigration firms before making any payments. Always check if the consultancy is registered under government regulations and avoid agents promising guaranteed visas.”
How to Avoid Immigration Scams?
To avoid falling prey to visa fraud, experts suggest:
✔ Verify if the immigration firm is government-approved
✔ Avoid agents offering ‘guaranteed jobs or visas’
✔ Check online reviews and official company registration
✔ Never pay large amounts upfront without legal contracts
✔ Confirm university or job offer letters with official sources
Public Reactions & Social Media Buzz
The news of the massive police crackdown has sparked a strong reaction on social media, with users applauding the Punjab Police’s action against fake immigration agents.
📢 @LegalExpertIndia – “A much-needed move! Too many innocent people are falling victim to immigration fraud. #PunjabPolice”
📢 @VisaConsultant – “If you’re applying for a visa, always consult government-approved agencies. These fake agents are ruining lives! #VisaFraudAlert”
📢 @PunjabiYouthsAbroad – “Finally! Fake agents looted our hard-earned money for years. Stricter laws needed against visa fraud! #ImmigrationScam”
What Happens Next?
With seven agents arrested and dozens of firms under investigation, more arrests and legal action are expected in the coming days. Authorities have urged the public to report illegal immigration firms and avoid unregistered agents.
This crackdown signals Punjab’s firm stance against immigration fraud and human trafficking, aiming to protect citizens from losing their money and falling into illegal immigration traps.
