Stringent action against erring travel agents: Ravi

Kochi, Mar 31 (UNI) Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi today said stringent action would be taken against travel agents who indulged in 'fradulent activities' in taking people abroad.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the inauguration of a emigration office building here, Mr Ravi said ''according to the proposed amendment to the Emigration Act, which was awaiting Cabinet approval, stringent action will be taken against erring travel agents in the country.'' However, agents doing exemplary work would be protected and encouraged by the government, he said.

On the exploitation of housemaids in Gulf countries, Mr Ravi said ''as housemaids don't come under the ambit of various labour laws of the countries, the Centre is singning MoUs with a number of nations for their protection.'' To a query on the recent incident of a Keralite woman lured into a prostitution racket in the guise of providing a job in Oman, the Minister said ''his Ministry was looking into the matter and appropriate action would be taken.'' He said strong action, including criminal, would be taken against the travel agent who abetted in sending the woman to Oman.

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