MoIC warns tourism firms over licence misuse, human trafficking

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Ministry of Information and Culture (MoIC) has warned that any tourism company found misusing its licence to engage in human trafficking will have its licence revoked and will be referred to judicial and legal authorities.

In a statement, the ministry said the Financial and Administrative Affairs Directorate of the Ministry of Information and Culture had assessed the performance of around 2,534 tourism companies across the country during the current year.

The statement noted that the quality of services provided by these companies, their conduct and interaction with tourists, compliance with tourism regulations, the proper use of licences and other related matters were thoroughly reviewed.

The source added that officials from the Tourism, Financial and Administrative Affairs Directorate had strongly advised tourism company owners that any misuse of licences—particularly involvement in human trafficking—would result in the cancellation of licences and referral to judicial and legal institutions.

Therefore, the owners of all tourism, pilgrimage and medical travel companies have been urged to strictly refrain from abusing their licences.

The ministry emphasised that regulating tourism, pilgrimage and medical travel companies is among its key priorities.

In this regard, efforts have been made to facilitate the licence issuance process, establish a unified association for these companies at both national and provincial levels, and ensure that their operations comply with existing laws and regulations.

hz/sa