World Immigration News

Open House: What measures should the UT Administration take to keep a check on fraudulent immigration agents?

Release Date
2025-02-24
Media
The Tribune
Summary
Reducing Risks Through an Online Portal
Authorities should publish information on licensed immigration agents via an online portal to enable job seekers to verify their legitimacy. Strict penalties and punishments should be imposed on fraudulent agents to curb illegal immigration through the "Dunki route." Applicants must also take responsibility by opting for legal migration channels.

Verify Agents’ Credentials
Before migrating, individuals should verify the credentials and legitimacy of immigration agents, use secure platforms, and fully understand the terms and conditions before making any payments.

Strict Punishment for Fraudulent Agents
Limited job opportunities drive many youths to illegal immigration agents, who exploit them by charging exorbitant fees. Authorities must identify and take legal action against such agents, ensuring they face criminal charges for fraud and breach of trust.

Establish a Formal Complaint System
Immigration agents should be mandatorily licensed and undergo rigorous training to operate ethically. Additionally, fee structures should be transparent, and a formal complaint system should be set up to allow victims to report and track the resolution of their grievances.

Increase Public Awareness
Awareness campaigns should educate people about fraudulent immigration practices and legal procedures. Strict punitive actions must be taken against fraudulent agents, and a toll-free helpline should be available for reporting cases.

Conduct Regular Inspections
Authorities must inspect immigration agencies and shut down those operating without licenses. Law enforcement should establish a 24/7 helpline for immigration fraud victims and deploy a special team to investigate missing or fraudulent agents.

Regulate False Advertisements
Authorities should monitor and verify advertisements by immigration agents to prevent misleading claims. Only registered agents should be allowed to promote their services, and any false advertising must be penalized.

Enhance Transparency and Accountability
All immigration agents should be registered and assigned proper GST numbers to ensure transparency. Records of emigrants should be verified based on academic and financial status, and agents must guide applicants properly based on their qualifications.

Audit Immigration Firms
Authorities must regularly audit immigration agencies and establish a task force to investigate complaints. A strict licensing system with heavy penalties for violations will deter fraudulent practices.

Mandatory Registration of Immigration Firms
Immigration agencies must be legally registered to operate. The government should launch public awareness campaigns in local languages to educate people about legal and illegal immigration practices.

Regular Scrutiny of Immigration Data
Competent authorities should routinely check public dealings of immigration agencies to prevent fraud. A toll-free grievance helpline should be available, ensuring only government-registered agents are allowed to operate.

Dedicated Helpline for Victims
A dedicated online complaint portal and helpline should be introduced to assist fraud victims. Unregistered agents must face strict legal consequences, and licensing regulations should be strictly enforced.

Comprehensive Action Plan
Authorities must implement strict regulatory measures, increase transparency, and ensure stringent punishments for fraudulent agents. Public awareness campaigns, digital verification systems, and grievance redress mechanisms will help prevent immigration fraud and protect individuals seeking opportunities abroad.
Tags
INDIA