Families reveal financial hardships as deported NRIs return to Amritsar

Amritsar: Several families gathered at Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji International Airport in Amritsar disclosed that their relatives, who were among the 116 NRIs deported from the US, had spent between Rs 40-50 lakh each to reach the US through travel agents. Many of them had sold land or taken loans to fund the journey.

Relatives of Gurjinder Singh from Lopoke village revealed that he paid around Rs 45-50 lakh to a travel agent after selling land and taking a loan.

He attempted to reach the US via the Dunky route but was detained and subsequently deported. His family, including two sisters, now faces financial challenges.

Similarly, the family of Harjit Singh and Harjot Singh from Khanawal village in Gurdaspur said they paid Rs 45 lakh each to an agent near Diwali.

They endured hardships during their journey, including passing through Panama’s forests before being detained in the US. The family received police notification of their return.

The affected families have urged the government to provide assistance and demanded legal action against the travel agents involved. They also called for the recovery of the funds paid to these agents.