Punjab Travel Act licence vs central MEA registration: what the difference means
The state licence (Punjab Travel Professionals Regulation Act)
Issued by each District Magistrate, this licenses travel agents, study-visa consultants, IELTS coaching and ticketing — anything about sending people abroad except overseas-employment recruitment. This is the licence most study-visa and IELTS consultants need, and it is what this directory verifies for every listing.
The central licence (MEA Emigration Act)
The Ministry of External Affairs registers "Recruiting Agents" under the Emigration Act, 1983, specifically for recruitment for overseas employment. It is rarer and stricter — only about 212 agents in Punjab hold it. If your agent is placing you in a job abroad, this is the licence that matters; for a student or tourist visa, the state licence is the relevant one.
Why both "212" and "thousands" are correct
News reports citing "only 212 licensed" refer to the central MEA registration. District government registers listing thousands of agents refer to the state Punjab Travel Act licences. Both numbers are accurate — they simply count two different regulatory regimes for two different activities.
Frequently asked questions
Which licence does a study-visa consultant need?
Sources
Related guides: How to check if a travel or immigration agent is licensed in Punjab
Browse agents: Mohali (SAS Nagar) register · Chandigarh (UT) register
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Reviewed against official government sources; figures that change (fees, fund thresholds) are dated and linked — always verify at the source. — Recepta Editorial.
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Last updated: 2026-07-13