Punjabis Fall Prey to Trafficking: NAPA Seeks Stricter Checks on Travel Ads

The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) is calling for stricter checks on foreign job advertisements by travel agents in Punjab, India, to prevent human trafficking and exploitation of young Punjabis seeking better opportunities abroad. NAPA's executive director, Satnam Singh Chahal, emphasizes the need for a system to vet travel agents and track their activities, citing numerous cases of Punjabi youths being jailed in transit countries while en route to the USA or Canada.

The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) has called for stringent scrutiny of foreign job advertisements by travel agents in Punjab, India, to prevent human trafficking and exploitation of young Punjabis seeking better opportunities abroad. NAPA's executive director, Satnam Singh Chahal, emphasized the need for a system to vet travel agents and track their activities, citing numerous cases of Punjabi youths being jailed in transit countries while en route to the USA or Canada [1].

According to Chahal, unscrupulous agents are exploiting the dreams of young Punjabis by promising high-paying jobs abroad. These agents often operate through sophisticated networks and use flashy advertisements in newspapers, social media, and local TV channels to lure innocent people. The agents charge exorbitant fees, ranging from ₹20 to ₹50 lakh, pushing families into lifelong debt.

Chahal alleged that these agents operate not only from Punjab but also from metropolitan hubs like New Delhi and even foreign countries like the USA. He called for a system to scrutinize whether travel agents have valid licenses and legal authorizations to offer jobs overseas. 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.

To monitor these agents' activities, Chahal proposed the implementation of digital tracking and reporting mechanisms across states and international jurisdictions. He also urged the creation of a comprehensive national and international database to monitor patterns in illegal migration. Chahal warned that the unchecked flow of irregular migration not only affects individuals but also tarnishes the reputation of the entire Indian diaspora.

He called upon both Indian and international authorities to take coordinated action, stating that transit and destination countries must treat such migrants as victims rather than criminals. Stronger international cooperation is required to dismantle human trafficking syndicates.

References:
[1] https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/punjabi-falling-for-human-trafficking-napa-seeks-scrutiny-of-foreign-job-ads-101752908501006.html