The Protector of Emigrants (PoE) officials conducted a significant raid on Thursday against ‘Travel Touch Tours & Travels’ (also known as Ryan Group) in Sharavati Circle, Honnavar, Uttar Kannada. The firm was reportedly operating as an unlicensed immigration consultancy, a clear violation of the Emigration Act of 1983.
Avaneesh Shukla, PoE, Bengaluru, led this crucial operation. Authorities have since filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the company’s owner at the Honnavar police station, marking the start of a deeper investigation. During the swift raid, officials successfully confiscated important documents, ledgers, and other materials vital to understanding the firm’s illicit activities.
The PoE office had received intelligence indicating that this agency was fraudulently collecting substantial sums, amounting to several lakhs of rupees, from individuals. These candidates were allegedly promised overseas employment in supermarkets across Israel and various Gulf nations.
Even after receiving an official notice on September 9, the firm defiantly continued its illegal operations. Furthermore, officials noted that the company had been aggressively advertising its unauthorized recruitment services through popular social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Avaneesh Shukla, the lead officer in the raid, emphasized that under Section 10 of the Emigration Act, 1983, no individual or organization is legally allowed to conduct overseas recruitment without a valid Registration Certificate from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
He further clarified that any breach of these regulations constitutes a punishable offense under Sections 24 and 25 of the Act, carrying a potential sentence of up to two years in prison and a fine of ₹2,000. For repeat offenders, these penalties are automatically doubled.
Important Advice for Aspiring Emigrants
The PoE strongly advises individuals seeking employment abroad to meticulously verify the legitimacy of any recruitment agency. They can do this by checking with the appropriate government bodies or contacting the PoE Bengaluru Office directly.
This service offers a comprehensive list of all officially registered overseas recruitment agencies, along with contact information for all Protector of Emigrants offices nationwide.
For any grievances or support, emigrants and their families can also reach out to the Pravasi Bharatiya Sewa Kendra (PBSK), an initiative by the Ministry of External Affairs, available round-the-clock.
Strict Warning Issued to Unlicensed Overseas Recruitment Operators
The PoE Bengaluru has issued a stern and unequivocal warning: all individuals and organizations engaged in unauthorized overseas recruitment — whether disguised as study abroad consultants, PR visa facilitators, or work permit advisors — must immediately halt these illegal activities. Non-compliance will be met with severe legal consequences as outlined by the Emigration Act.