Haryana mandates registration for travel agents to prevent overseas job fraud
The state government approved new rules to curb illegal migration, human trafficking and the use of the dunki route.
The Haryana Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Haryana Registration and Regulation of Travel Agents Rules, 2026, according to The New Indian Express and The Indian Express. The rules, framed under the Haryana Registration and Regulation of Travel Agents Act, 2025, make registration compulsory for all current and new travel agents in the state.
The move aims to protect the youth from human trafficking, illegal migration and fraudulent overseas job offers. An official statement noted that the rules seek to ensure accountability in the travel business while preventing unlawful activities like the "dunki route".
Under the new framework, agents must obtain separate registrations for every branch and for different service categories. These categories include ticketing services, study visa consultancy, tour and travel agency services, and passport services. A fee of Rs 5,000 will be charged for each category.
Every applicant must undergo mandatory police verification before they can register. The competent authority will provide a registration certificate within 30 days of receiving the police verification report, and the certificate will be valid for three years.
To improve transparency, the government will issue digital certificates featuring QR codes that citizens can scan to check validity. District-wise lists of registered agents will be posted on the Antyodaya SARAL Portal and the official websites of the Police and Home departments.
Agents are required to show their registration numbers and certificate dates both inside and outside their offices. They must also include these registration numbers in all online portals, websites and advertisements.