Promised Portugal, Sent to Cambodia: Jalandhar man returns home after MP Sant Seechewal’s intervention
Agent Allegedly Took Rs 7.5 Lakh Promising Portugal Visa, Sent Him to Cambodia via Thailand
Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal
Sultanpur Lodhi (Punjab), September 23, 2026: Jalandhar resident Hardeep Kumar, who was allegedly stranded in Cambodia for nearly three years after being duped by a travel agent, has returned safely to India following intervention by Rajya Sabha MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal and the Ministry of External Affairs.
According to Hardeep's family, a travel agent allegedly took around Rs 7.5 lakh from him on the promise of sending him to Portugal. Instead, he was first sent to Thailand and later to Cambodia.
The family alleged that after Hardeep reached Cambodia, his passport was not returned to him. His visa subsequently expired in May 2025, leaving him in a difficult situation.
While in Cambodia, Hardeep was reportedly involved in a serious road accident in which he suffered a leg fracture. He allegedly remained without proper treatment and adequate facilities for around 15 months, according to the family.
Hardeep's family approached Sant Seechewal on June 9, 2026, seeking his help in bringing him back to India. Following the family's appeal, Seechewal's office approached the Ministry of External Affairs by email and sought immediate intervention in the matter.
When no immediate action followed, the matter was raised with the ministry again, with Seechewal's office also seeking coordination with the Indian mission in Cambodia to facilitate Hardeep's assistance and safe return.
Following the intervention and subsequent action by the concerned authorities, Hardeep finally returned to India on August 29, 2026, and reunited with his family. The family thanked Seechewal for taking up the matter with the Ministry of External Affairs and pursuing it with the concerned authorities.
Seechewal urged young people planning to travel abroad for employment or better opportunities to remain cautious of agents who make false promises or use illegal routes.
He advised prospective migrants and their families to verify the credentials of travel agents thoroughly and use only legal and officially recognised channels for going abroad.