Punjab recorded 154 complaints against illegal immigration agents between 2023 and 2025, but not a single prosecution sanction was sought or granted during the period, according to data presented by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in the Lok Sabha. The figures highlight a significant gap between the rising number of complaints and the initiation of legal proceedings against those accused of immigration fraud. The data has renewed concerns over the effectiveness of enforcement against illegal immigration networks operating in the state.
According to the MEA, Punjab registered 56 complaints against illegal immigration agents in 2023, followed by 18 complaints in 2024 and a sharp increase to 80 complaints in 2025. The state ranked among those reporting the highest number of such complaints, behind Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Delhi, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan. Despite the increase in reported cases, the ministry informed Parliament that no request for prosecution sanction was either sought or approved in Punjab during the three-year period.
The absence of prosecution-related action stands in contrast to several other states. Delhi sought prosecution sanction in 11 cases in 2024 and 13 cases in 2025, with approvals granted in all instances. Kerala also initiated prosecution proceedings by seeking sanctions in seven cases in 2023 and 15 cases in 2024, receiving approvals in several of those cases. Other states, including Karnataka, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu, also reported progress in initiating prosecution against accused immigration agents.
Also Read: Cloudburst Hits Kishtwar's Chatroo Area, Damages Shops and Vehicles
The data comes amid persistent concerns over illegal migration networks in Punjab, where overseas employment and permanent settlement abroad remain major aspirations for many families. Officials noted that the increasing number of complaints suggests immigration fraud continues to pose a serious challenge. However, the figures also indicate that translating complaints into criminal prosecution remains a significant hurdle within the state's legal and administrative processes.
Districts in Punjab's Doaba region, particularly Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur and Kapurthala, have historically reported a large number of immigration-related fraud cases due to their strong migration links. Urban centres such as Mohali, Ludhiana and Amritsar have also witnessed an increase in complaints involving visa and immigration consultants. The widespread demand for overseas jobs and permanent residency has contributed to the growth of both legitimate immigration services and fraudulent operators targeting aspiring migrants.
The issue has received renewed national attention following the deportation of several Indian nationals from the United States, many of whom were reported to have travelled through illegal migration channels. The latest parliamentary data has intensified discussions on the need for stronger regulation of immigration consultants, more effective investigation of fraud complaints and quicker legal action against those accused of exploiting people seeking opportunities abroad.
Also Read: Sringeri Police Investigate 2015 Acid Attack on Beauty Parlour Owner