The Cabinet also approved enactment of Punjab Compulsory Registration of Marriages Bill, 2012 which cover NRIs also.
A decision to this effect was taken at the Cabinet meeting held here under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, an official spokesman said here.
The prevention of human smuggling Bill stipulates that anyone sending persons abroad illegally would be liable to punishment between three to seven years and fine.
For the second offence, the penalty would be double of what was given earlier, the spokesman said.
SDMs/DSPs have also been given power to search premises of such violators with the prior approval of the District Magistrate. It would be mandatory for all travel agents to get licenses from the competent authorities for doing business.
To ensure compulsory registration of marriages solemnised under any law governing the parties irrespective of their religion, caste, creed or nationality in the state, the Cabinet also okayed the enactment of the Punjab Compulsory Registration of Marriages Bill, 2012 which would include NRIs also.