NAPA wants job ads by travel agents in foreign countries vetted by govt agencies
In light of the growing number of youths from Punjab falling victim to human trafficking and deceptive migration schemes, Satnam Singh Chahal, Executive Director of the US-based North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), has strongly advocated strict scrutiny of advertisements published by travel agents promoting jobs in foreign countries.
Chahal emphasised that every year, hundreds of young Punjabis, driven by the dream of a better future in Western countries, end up being exploited by unregulated agents.
“They are promised high-paying jobs abroad. But instead, many are abandoned in transit countries or forced into inhumane conditions. These agents charge anywhere between Rs 20 to Rs 50 lakh, pushing families into lifelong debt,” he stated.
He alleged that unscrupulous agents, operating not only from Punjab but also from metropolitan hubs like New Delhi and even foreign countries like the USA, are running a parallel economy based on deceit and exploitation.
These agents often work through sophisticated networks and use flashy advertisements in newspapers, social media and local TV channels to lure the gullible. “There must be a system in place to scrutinise whether a travel agent has valid licence and legal authorisation to offer jobs overseas,” Chahal asserted. He recommended that all job-related advertisements by travel agents should be vetted by authorities such as the Protector of Emigrants and local police departments. He also stressed the need for digital tracking and reporting mechanisms to monitor these agents’ activities across states and international jurisdictions.
Chahal warned that the unchecked flow of irregular migration not only affects individuals but also tarnishes the reputation of the entire Indian diaspora.
“There are countless cases of Punjabi youths being jailed in Mexico, Panama and other Latin American countries while en route to the USA or Canada. The rampant violation of their basic human rights in these regions is alarming,” he said.
He called upon both Indian and international authorities to take coordinated action. “Transit and destination countries must treat such migrants as victims rather than criminals. Stronger international cooperation is required to dismantle human trafficking syndicates,” he said.
Chahal also proposed the creation of a comprehensive national and international database to monitor patterns in illegal migration. “Such a database will help identify key trafficking routes, operational networks, and the socio-economic background of victims.
This knowledge is crucial for policymaking, prevention and rehabilitation,” he explained. NAPA has long been advocating for migrant rights and safe migration practices.
Chahal urged the Indian government, particularly the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs, to initiate awareness drives in rural and semi-urban areas where such fraudulent practices are most prevalent. “Education and public awareness are the first lines of defence against these traps,” he said.
Jalandhar