CHANDIGARH: The Punjab and Haryana high court on Monday asked the Punjab govt to decide on a representation seeking action against fake travel agents in the state and to establish “emigration check posts” in all districts of the state. The petition was filed in the backdrop of the recent deportation of youth from the region from the US and to prevent illegal immigration from Punjab through the “donkey route”.
A division bench comprising Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Harmeet Singh Grewal passed the orders while disposing of a petition filed by Kanwar Pahul, a practising lawyer. The bench asked the petitioner to submit his representation on the issue to the state, and the authorities were asked to take a decision within 30 days.
The petitioner sought directions to the central as well as Punjab govt to take steps for establishing “emigration check posts” in all districts of Punjab under Section 6 of the Emigration Act, 1983, to regulate the emigration process and prevent illegal immigration. He also called for upgrading and publishing a list of certified recruiting agents and permitted employers outside India to help people access secure emigration opportunities and protect them from fraudulent travel agents. The PIL emphasises the need for these measures considering recent mass deportations of illegal immigrants from the USA, which caused financial losses to Punjabis. The petitioner also raised concerns about the violation of fundamental rights.
However, during the hearing of the matter, Dheeraj Jain, while representing the central govt, informed the bench that the immigrants left the country for European countries on study or tourist visas and thereafter entered the US via illegal means.
A total of 127 complaints from Punjab were recieved recently by the office of the Protector of Emigrants (POE) at Chandigarh regarding illegal agents, in which 57 were received directly and 70 through their own sources. The office had referred all the complaints to the Punjab govt for appropriate action, the court was informed by the POE.
After hearing all the parties, the bench disposed of the matter, asking the petitioner to submit his representation regarding his grievance to the state govt.
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