Centre extends Punjab law to Chandigarh to regulate travel agents

Chandigarh: For tightening regulation of travel agents and cracking down on human smuggling and immigration fraud, the central govt extended the provisions of the Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act, 2012, and the Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling (Amendment) Act, 2014, to UT Chandigarh.Officials said the move comes amid growing concerns over illegal immigration networks and fraudulent overseas placement schemes operating in the region. Chandigarh and adjoining areas witness a large number of students and youth seeking opportunities abroad for education and employment, leading to a sharp rise in travel agents and immigration consultancies.At present, such activities are primarily governed under Section 191(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. However, authorities felt the existing provisions were inadequate to effectively tackle organised human smuggling and immigration fraud.The newly extended legislation is expected to provide a stronger statutory framework to regulate travel agents, deter fraudulent immigration practices and align Chandigarh's regulatory mechanism with neighbouring Punjab.Under the Act, all entities involved in facilitating overseas travel — including visa consultants, ticketing operators, promotional agencies and informal intermediaries — will come under regulatory oversight.The law also mandates compulsory licensing and police verification for travel agents before they can begin operations. Authorities believe this will help weed out unscrupulous operators and improve public confidence in the sector.The competent authority has been empowered to issue, suspend or cancel licences in cases involving fraud, criminal conviction, misrepresentation or violation of prescribed conditions.To strengthen enforcement, authorised officers have been granted powers of search, seizure and arrest in connection with offences under the Act. The legislation also prescribes stringent penalties, including imprisonment ranging from three to seven years, along with fines for offences linked to human smuggling and illegal facilitation.In a further deterrent measure, courts will have the power to attach and confiscate movable and immovable assets acquired through unlawful activities.The Act also provides an appellate mechanism against orders of the competent authority and empowers courts to award compensation to victims affected by fraudulent immigration practices.