Ludhiana: For generations, the dream of a better life abroad has driven many city residents. However, this aspiration has also led to desperation, with individuals risking homes, land, and life savings, only to fall prey to unregistered emigration agents and fraudulent firms.
NCRB Data Highlights Scale of Problem
Official data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reveals the extent of the issue. In 2024, the Ludhiana commissionerate reported the highest number of cases under the Emigration Act among 34 metropolitan cities. A total of 60 cases were registered, far surpassing Thiruvananthapuram (10 cases) and Tiruchirapalli (1 case). Ludhiana alone accounted for 84.5% of all such cases recorded across metropolitan cities.
The number of cases has risen sharply year-on-year. In 2023, Ludhiana reported 40 cases under the Act, marking a 50% increase in 2024. The city has consistently topped the list in recent years, including in 2021 and 2022. Within Punjab, Ludhiana ranked first, followed by Ropar with six cases and Ludhiana rural with two.
Passport Act Cases
In contrast, Ludhiana ranked fourth among metropolitan cities in cases registered under the Passport Act in 2024. Tiruchirapalli reported the highest number at 193, followed by Thiruvananthapuram.
Police Crackdown on Illegal Agents
Police officials attribute the high number of cases in Ludhiana to a targeted crackdown on illegal immigration agents. An official stated, “We launched a campaign against unregistered agents and filed several cases. People must verify credentials before approaching any agent.”
Legal Experts Warn of Exploitation
Legal experts say lack of awareness and desperation make people vulnerable. Advocate Yogesh Khanna noted that many families, driven by unemployment and other concerns, seek to send their children abroad without understanding the risks. “Unscrupulous agents exploit this situation. Often, those who fall victim are unaware of whether an agent is genuine or licensed,” he said, adding that many operators function without proper documentation. Khanna advised people to verify licences and documents before making payments. Under the amended law, illegal agents can face imprisonment ranging from seven to 14 years and fines up to Rs 10 lakh.
Social Activists Call for Awareness
Social activist Kuldeep Singh Khaira said families often sell land or jewellery to arrange money, making fraud cases particularly distressing. He stressed the need for greater awareness at the district level. “Most complaints are registered only after people are cheated. There should be regular checks on immigration centres and better enforcement to ensure strict punishment in such cases,” he said.
