In response to rising concerns over illegal immigration, the Haryana government has enacted a new law aimed at targeting rogue travel agents who facilitate unlawful overseas travel. This legislative move comes amid escalating political tension surrounding the recent deportation of illegal Indian immigrants from the United States.
A significant number of those deported are reported to be from Punjab and Haryana, with many alleging they were deceived by local travel agents charging exorbitant fees for risky border crossings to the US through illicit routes. These dangerous pathways often involve traversing multiple countries.
On March 18, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini introduced the Haryana Registration and Regulation of Travel Agents Bill, 2025, which mandates that all travel agents in the state be registered, imposing severe penalties for non-compliance. These penalties can include prison sentences of up to 10 years and fines reaching Rs 5 lakh.
The bill was successfully passed after extensive debate in the legislative assembly. It stipulates that no individual or organization may operate as a travel agent without a registration certificate issued by the appropriate authority. Travel agents must also secure separate registration certificates for each of their branches, aimed at curbing fraudulent practices and protecting consumers.
Additional provisions empower courts to confiscate assets obtained unlawfully by travel agents and permit the suspension or cancellation of their licenses. Travel agents wishing to close their businesses must provide a three-month notice and publicly announce their closure; however, they will not receive refunds for their registration fees and remain accountable for any illegal activities conducted prior to closure.
Moreover, law enforcement agencies now possess enhanced authority to search, seize, and investigate allegations of fraudulent travel documents, illegal migration, and human trafficking. Senior police officials are authorized to approve such operations, which must conclude within three months.
The opposition Congress party has expressed concerns regarding the bill, advocating for clearer provisions and suggesting that it should have undergone scrutiny by a select committee before passage. Congress MLA BB Batra emphasized the need for comprehensive recommendations to enhance the legislation’s effectiveness.
In defense of the bill, State Minister Anil Vij highlighted its necessity, stressing that a legal framework to regulate travel agents and combat human smuggling had been overdue in Haryana. He questioned, “If the US enforces strict deportation laws, shouldn’t we establish our own?”
During discussions preceding the bill’s passage, Chief Minister Saini addressed criticism regarding the treatment of deportees, stating, “If an intruder enters our country, how would our army respond?” This remark underscored the government’s determination to enforce stricter immigration regulations in light of recent events.
Last month, many deportees, returned to Amritsar aboard a US military aircraft, were reported to have been shackled, sparking significant public outrage. The central government has since engaged with US officials on the matter.
Published On: Mar 27, 2025
