No extra ‘dunki’? How Punjab is cracking down on unlawful journey brokers

Punjab has intensified its crackdown on pretend journey brokers following the latest deportation of Indian immigrants from the US.

For years, these brokers have exploited the aspirations of younger Punjabis, utilizing varied means akin to scholar visas, fraudulent marriages, and the dangerous ‘
Dunki Route’ to ship individuals overseas by means of unlawful channels.

With over 300 unlawful immigrants lately despatched again from the US—most of them from Punjab—the state authorities is tightening its grip on these facilitating illegal migration.

What actions are being taken? How do these unlawful operations operate? Right here’s a better look.

Licenses cancelled, notices issued

In a significant crackdown on unlawful journey brokers, authorities in Amritsar have cancelled the licences of 40 brokers following a criticism in opposition to their unauthorised operations, NDTV reported.

The criticism was filed by Sarabjit Singh, who introduced the matter to the eye of Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sahni. Appearing on the criticism, Sahni ordered strict motion in opposition to these brokers.

In the meantime, in Jalandhar district, 271 journey brokers who didn’t renew their licences have been served show-cause notices. The crackdown has additionally prolonged to sure IELTS centres suspected of involvement in irregular actions.

Based on sources cited by NDTV, police are actively registering instances in opposition to journey brokers concerned in unlawful migration, with raids being carried out to apprehend offenders.

The Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) have been directed to examine the paperwork of journey brokers and immigration consultants. Moreover, district police have been instructed to promptly report any complaints to the Deputy Commissioner’s workplace for swift motion, India In the present day reported.

Hoshiarpur Police is investigating varied journey brokers throughout the district. Motion can be taken as per regulation in opposition to journey brokers concerned in unlawful actions, fraud and deception. #YourSafetyOurPriority pic.twitter.com/PKzvvejElg

— Hoshiarpur Police (@PP_Hoshiarpur) February 24, 2025

NRI Minister Kuldeep Dhaliwal informed India In the present day TV that between February 5 and 23, 17 FIRs have been filed in opposition to such unlicensed brokers. “We’ve been strict and we’re taking motion in opposition to anybody who information a written criticism. We’ve been robust on these brokers,” he stated.

Journey brokers have now been instructed to take care of correct data and guarantee their documentation is full. Chatting with The Tribune, Deputy Commissioner Dr Himanshu Aggarwal said, “Strict motion can be taken in opposition to these failing to abide by the regulation. In future, those that violate norms might face further motion or cancellation of licences.”

Extra motion anticipated in coming days

Based on sources cited by India In the present day, authorities are anticipated to take additional motion in opposition to unscrupulous journey brokers within the coming days.

Punjab has already recorded 3,225 FIRs in opposition to journey brokers over the previous three years, with greater than 1,100 instances registered beneath the Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act, 2012.

The very best variety of instances was reported by SAS Nagar Police in Mohali (398), adopted by the Jalandhar Police Commissionerate (375), Hoshiarpur Police (293), and Patiala Police (235). Different key areas embrace Ludhiana Police Commissionerate (228), the NRI Wing of the Punjab Police (190), Amritsar Police Commissionerate (188), Jalandhar (Rural) Police (141), and SBS Nagar Police (127).

A number of arrests have been made in reference to these instances, together with that of Punjabi singer Fatehjit Singh, who was apprehended in September final yr.

Captain SP Singh, Chairman of the Affiliation of Licensed Immigration and Training Consultants (ALIEC), highlighted a key problem in regulating pretend brokers. Chatting with The New Indian Specific, he defined, “As per the Act, journey brokers are required to show their license quantity prominently outdoors their places of work and in commercials. Nonetheless, unlawful brokers are predominantly energetic on social media platforms, making it troublesome to hint their backgrounds.

“This makes it simpler for them to deceive susceptible people. We urge that commercials on social media be regulated beneath this Act and be topic to scrutiny.”

Punjabis high the US deportation listing

Authorities sources reveal that Punjabis make up the most important share of
Indians being deported from the US.

Three flights carrying deported Indians arrived in Amritsar on February 5, February 15, and February 16. Of the 333 returnees, 126—or 37.8 per cent—have been from Punjab, sources informed NDTV.

Unlawful immigration from Punjab has been a long-standing problem, with many determined for a greater life paying hefty sums—typically as excessive as  Rs 25-30 lakh—to brokers who promise them visas. Nonetheless, as a substitute of authorized migration, they’re typically despatched on fraudulent visas by means of a dangerous community, generally often called the ‘
Dunki’ route.

The time period ‘Dunki’ originates from a Punjabi phrase that means “to hop from place to position.” It refers to a route the place migrants make a number of stops in several international locations—typically passing by means of Central American nations like Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Guatemala—earlier than trying to cross into the US on foot with the assistance of human smugglers.

However that’s not all; Indians who use this route additionally need to cope with extortion and kidnapping. The medical assist charity Medical doctors With out Borders has reported a surge in cases of mass sexual assault by which lots of of individuals have been captured, assaulted and raped — typically in entrance of relations.

Additional, those that fail to flee the clutches of Border Patrol police are then detained by US authorities and despatched again to their nation. Thus far, amongst these deported, 262 have been males, 42 have been girls, and 29 have been youngsters—18 boys and 11 ladies—who returned with their households.

Deputy Commissioner Aggarwal said that lots of these deported have been reluctant to file complaints in opposition to their brokers.

“They’ve been counselled, and our groups have reached out to them. Most are nonetheless in shock and unwilling to say a lot. Some may be cautious of showing the means by means of which they travelled. We’ve repeatedly assured them that motion will solely be taken in opposition to the brokers, not in opposition to them,” he informed the media.

To assist the returnees, talent growth and rehabilitation programmes have been launched to assist them discover employment alternatives, he added.

With enter from companies