Meghalaya check gates: Labour Dept threatens jail, Rs1 lakh fine over fake migrant slips

Meghalaya’s border check gates have seen a surge in counterfeit migrant registration slips, prompting the state Labour Department to issue a stern warning. Officials say the fake documents are being presented to bypass employment regulations and to facilitate illegal labour movement.

Under the new directive, any employer found using or facilitating the use of such forged slips can be sentenced to imprisonment and fined up to Rs 1 lakh per violation. The penalty is intended to deter the growing practice and protect genuine migrant workers.

A senior labour officer emphasized that verification of all registration documents will be intensified, and random inspections at checkpoints will become routine. Employers are urged to obtain authentic registration certificates directly from the authorised migrant welfare offices.

The department also advised migrant workers to report any suspicious documentation to the nearest labour office, assuring them of protection against exploitation.