Haryana Government Introduces Amendment Bill to Strengthen Travel Agent Oversight
In response to directives from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Haryana government on Friday tabled the Haryana Registration and Regulation of Travel Agents (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the state legislative assembly. This legislative move aims to significantly enhance oversight of travel agents operating within the state and prevent potential misuse of migration-related services.
Addressing Inconsistencies with Central Legislation
The primary objective of the bill is to amend provisions of the existing Haryana Registration and Regulation of Travel Agents Act, 2025, to eliminate inconsistencies with the central Emigration Act of 1983. According to the statement of objects and reasons accompanying the bill, the MHA identified significant overlaps between the state law and the central legislation that governs overseas employment migration.
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini elaborated on the necessity of these amendments while presenting the bill in the assembly. "The MHA has intimated that certain provisions in our recently introduced state act appear inconsistent with the Emigration Act, 1983," he stated. "Particularly concerning the operational scope for travel agents, there are overlaps that could potentially be exploited to bypass mandatory registration requirements with the Protector General of Emigrants."
Key Provisions and Definitions Revised
The proposed amendment introduces several crucial revisions to definitions under the principal law:
- Expanded Definition of 'Document': The term now comprehensively includes educational certificates, English language test results, travel papers, visas, tickets, and passports in both physical and electronic formats used as evidence for tourism or emigration purposes.
- Clarified Definition of 'Emigrant': This now explicitly refers to Indian citizens traveling abroad for purposes such as study, tourism, medical treatment, or cultural activities. Importantly, migration for employment abroad remains exclusively governed by the central Emigration Act, 1983.
- Broadened Definition of 'Travel Agent': This now encompasses individuals, firms, or companies engaged in activities including processing passport or visa applications, selling air tickets, providing travel consultancy, organizing foreign travel for education or tourism, and promoting international travel services. However, recruitment for overseas employment continues to fall outside the state act's scope and remains under central regulation.
Strengthening Enforcement and Legal Framework
The amendment proposes significant changes to Section 7 of the principal law, empowering authorities to take action against travel agents who violate any provision of the legislation. Additionally, a new section clarifies that the Act will operate alongside other existing laws while giving overriding effect to central legislation in cases of inconsistency.
"To prevent violations of the Emigration Act, 1983, and curb growing instances of illegal recruitment activities targeting Indian citizens abroad by unscrupulous agents, it is proposed that both the Government of India and the state government work in harmony," emphasized Chief Minister Saini. "This collaboration aims to establish a robust framework ensuring safe and legal migration processes."
Legislative Process and Next Steps
The bill is now scheduled for discussion in the legislative house during the ongoing budget session before proceeding to a vote for passage. This legislative initiative represents Haryana's commitment to creating a more secure environment for citizens seeking to travel abroad while maintaining alignment with national emigration policies and regulations.
