Last year, the Manohar Lal Khattar-led government introduced The Haryana Registration and Regulation of Travel Agents Bill, 2024, in the state assembly to establish strict regulations for travel agents to curb illegal immigration and prevent fraudulent practices. The assembly passed the bill, but the Union Government raised objections, preventing the bill from becoming law.The statement of objects and reasons of the bill which was tabled in the state assembly last year read, “Whereas, it has come to notice that innocent and unemployed youth of Haryana are being lured into traps of illegal immigration on a large scale through illegitimate means. The unscrupulous and unregistered travel agents deceive such persons by promising them easy and quick immigration to foreign countries.” The statement noted that the agents promise to arrange work or study visa, but fail to deliver their promises, adding that they also charge exorbitant amount of money. The statement added, “In the interest of public at large, a legislation i.e. ‘The Haryana Registration and Regulation of Travel Agents Bill, 2024’ to provide for measures to check and monitor the unlawful and fraudulent activities of travel agents and to provide a mechanism to punish such wrong doers as per law and for matters connected therewith and incidental thereto, in required.’’The youth who have been deported back have recounted how unscrupulous travel agents charged a hefty Rs 30 lakh to Rs one crore to send them to the US through illegal means but instead they were sent via `Dunky Route’ thought the jungles of Panama thus putting their lives in danger. Sources alleged that these travel agents exploit unemployed youth by offering fake study visas, work permits and job placements abroad.
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