The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), which claims residents of the state are becoming victims of human trafficking and fraudulent migration schemes, has demanded that travel agencies in Punjab conduct a thorough investigation of international employment postings.
Every year, hundreds of young Punjabis who are motivated by the hope of a brighter future in Western countries are exploited by unregulated agents, according to Satnam Singh Chahal, executive director of the US-based NAPA. These agents frequently operate through complex networks and entice innocent people with eye-catching ads on local TV stations, social media and newspapers.
“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 and 50 lakh, pushing families into lifelong debt,” he said.
He claimed that dishonest agents are establishing a parallel economy based on dishonesty and exploitation, not just from Punjab but also from major cities like New Delhi and even overseas nations like the USA. “There must be a system in place to scrutinise whether a travel agent has valid licenses and legal authorisations to offer jobs overseas,” Chahal asserted.
According to NAPA, certain travel agencies employ misleading advertisements that promise lucrative employment or educational opportunities abroad. These ads often mask the harsh realities of trafficking and exploitation awaiting unsuspecting individuals. The organization emphasizes the necessity for regulatory bodies to monitor and audit the promotional practices of travel agents to ensure transparency and prevent the proliferation of fraudulent schemes.
Demand for Stronger Oversight and Policy Intervention
In keeping with these apprehensions, NAPA strongly recommends that government authorities and law enforcement intensify their oversight on marketing activities of travel agents. Hence, it calls for a holistic strategy that involves rigorous scrutiny of advertisements, launching public awareness campaigns, and the strengthening of legal frameworks toward the dismantling of the trafficking networks. In essence, NAPA argues that protection of citizens from such risk is tantamount to ensuring human rights and safe migration.
Broader Implications for Community and Governance
Human trafficking is increasing because of fraudulent travel advertisements, posing major social and governance challenges. Beyond the immediate trauma inflicted on victims, these incidents erode public trust in travel services and expose systemic vulnerabilities. It signals urgent calls by NAPA for action to be taken by governments, civil societies, and industry stakeholders to address this multifaceted issue and make quite serious headway on it.
