Context
The recently released Bollywood movie "Dunki" delves into the prevalent issue of illegal migration through the 'donkey route.' This term, originating from a Punjabi idiom, refers to the perilous journey many Indians undertake to reach countries such as the US, the UK, or Europe. The film sheds light on the complexities and dangers involved in this method of illegal immigration.
About the ‘Donkey Route’
- Known as "Donkey Travels" or "Donkey Flight."
- 'Dunki' is a regional pronunciation of donkey, reflecting the Punjabi idiom meaning "hopping from one place to another."
- It symbolizes an illicit journey undertaken by individuals seeking to cross international borders.
- Several lakhs of Indians, particularly from Punjab and Haryana, embark on this dangerous route.
- 42,000 migrants crossed the US southern border illegally between October 2022 to September 2023.
Popularity Among Migrants
- The term gained popularity among migrants, particularly those from Indian states such as Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat.
- It signifies an illegal and perilous journey undertaken by individuals to cross borders.
Criminal Utilisation of 'Dunki' Route
- Sensational Cases
- Notable instances of criminals using the 'Dunki' method to escape legal consequences.
- Example: In the murder case of Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena chief Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi, the mastermind Rohit Godara reportedly employed the 'Dunki' method to escape to the US.
- Escapes and Coordinated Operations
- Criminals, such as gangster Deepak Pahal alias Boxer, have successfully used the 'Dunki' route to escape India.
- Coordinated operations involving multiple agencies are required to apprehend individuals using this method.
Data on Illegal Migration
- US Customs and Border Protection Data
- Approximately 42,000 migrants from India crossed the southern border illegally between October 2022 to September 2023.
- Since November 2022, around 97,000 Indians have attempted illegal entry into the US, resulting in arrests.
- Detention Figures
- Between February 2019 and March 2023, a total of 149,000 Indians were detained for attempting illegal entry into the US.
- Gujarat and Punjab are noted as the origins of most individuals detained.
Modus Operandi of Donkey Flight
- Tactics by Travel Agencies
- Travel agencies employ various tactics for illegal immigration to countries like the UK, Canada, and the US.
- Exploitative agents play a role in facilitating illegal border crossing, often using methods involving containers and ships.
- Dangerous Nature
- The method is exceptionally dangerous as it exposes migrants to the risk of being caught by authorities, leading to deportation.
- The use of illegal means poses severe risks to individuals attempting the Donkey Flight.
- Exploitation by Conmen
- Conmen exploit migrants by providing false assurances and facilitating illegal entry, exploiting their desperation and lack of awareness.
- Forged Documents
- Exploitative agents provide migrants with forged documents, including residency permits and driving licenses.
- These forged documents are intended to deceive authorities and enable migrants to navigate through immigration processes.
First Leg of Donkey Route
Latin American Transit
- Initiated by reaching Latin American countries like Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Brazil, and Venezuela.
- Easier access for Indians due to visa-on-arrival facilities and lenient tourist visa approvals.
- Presence of agents facilitating illegal migration with established 'links' for trafficking.
- Alternate Route: Some opt for a direct visa for Mexico from Dubai, though direct entry to Mexico is deemed risky.
Crossing Panama’s Forest
- Darién Gap Challenge: After arriving in Colombia, migrants face the perilous Darién Gap, a forested region between Colombia and Panama.
- Risks include lack of clean water, wildlife threats, and criminal gangs.
- Reported instances of robbery and extreme conditions, such as trekking barefoot in snow.
Entering Mexico
- Critical Stage
- Transition to Mexico is crucial for accessing the US border.
- Guatemala serves as a significant coordination center.
- Navigating the 3,140-km US-Mexico border involves evading government agencies, crossing fences, or navigating the dangerous Rio Grande River.
Route through Europe
- European Option
- Despite increased scrutiny, some migrants opt for Europe instead of Latin American transit.
- The European route faces regulatory attention.
- Popularity and Expansion
- Despite challenges, the 'Dunki' method remains the most popular form of illegal immigration, expanding from Punjab and Haryana to states like Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Gujarat.
- Facilitated by a network of visa agencies operating in Punjab, often with questionable legality and links to criminal smuggling networks in Europe.
Modus Operandi of Donkey Flight
- Tactics by Travel Agencies
- Travel agencies employ various tactics for illegal immigration to countries like the UK, Canada, and the US.
- Exploitative agents play a role in facilitating illegal border crossing, often using methods involving containers and ships.
- Dangerous Nature
- The method is exceptionally dangerous as it exposes migrants to the risk of being caught by authorities, leading to deportation.
- The use of illegal means poses severe risks to individuals attempting the Donkey Flight.
- Exploitation by Conmen
- Conmen exploit migrants by providing false assurances and facilitating illegal entry, exploiting their desperation and lack of awareness.
- Forged Documents
- Exploitative agents provide migrants with forged documents, including residency permits and driving licenses.
- These forged documents are intended to deceive authorities and enable migrants to navigate through immigration processes.
First Leg of Donkey Route
Latin American Transit
- Initiated by reaching Latin American countries like Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Brazil, and Venezuela.
- Easier access for Indians due to visa-on-arrival facilities and lenient tourist visa approvals.
- Presence of agents facilitating illegal migration with established 'links' for trafficking.
- Alternate Route: Some opt for a direct visa for Mexico from Dubai, though direct entry to Mexico is deemed risky.
Crossing Panama’s Forest
- Darién Gap Challenge: After arriving in Colombia, migrants face the perilous Darién Gap, a forested region between Colombia and Panama.
- Risks include lack of clean water, wildlife threats, and criminal gangs.
- Reported instances of robbery and extreme conditions, such as trekking barefoot in snow.
Entering Mexico
- Critical Stage
- Transition to Mexico is crucial for accessing the US border.
- Guatemala serves as a significant coordination center.
- Navigating the 3,140-km US-Mexico border involves evading government agencies, crossing fences, or navigating the dangerous Rio Grande River.
Route through Europe
- European Option
- Despite increased scrutiny, some migrants opt for Europe instead of Latin American transit.
- The European route faces regulatory attention.
- Popularity and Expansion
- Despite challenges, the 'Dunki' method remains the most popular form of illegal immigration, expanding from Punjab and Haryana to states like Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Gujarat.
- Facilitated by a network of visa agencies operating in Punjab, often with questionable legality and links to criminal smuggling networks in Europe.
Risks and Challenges associated with Dunki
- Irregular Migration Technique: Involves multiple, often indirect flight connections exploiting immigration system loopholes. Motivated by desperation and misinformation.
- Significant Risks
- Individuals face dangers and concerns upon entering a target country with stricter entry requirements.
- Agents in India have connections with traffickers, making payments crucial for migrants' safety.
- High costs: Ranges from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 40 lakh, sometimes reaching Rs 70 lakh.
- Legal Consequences: Entering a country illegally entails risks of detention, deportation, and criminal charges.
- Safety and Health Concerns: Long, arduous journeys, unfamiliar environments, and potential exploitation pose physical and mental health risks.
Global Impacts
- Challenges for Destination Countries: Strains immigration systems and raises security concerns.
- Ethical Implications: Exploitation of loopholes prompts questions about fairness and the treatment of vulnerable individuals.
- Potential for Human Trafficking: Criminal networks may exploit desperation, leading to individuals trapped in exploitative situations.
The Path Ahead for addressing Illegal Migration
- Create Job Opportunities
- Objective: To discourage illegal migration by addressing the root causes.
- Action Steps:
- Implement policies that promote economic growth and job creation in home countries.
- Foster entrepreneurship and small-scale industries to diversify employment opportunities.
- Collaborate with the private sector to invest in sectors that generate employment.
- Provide Facilities for a Better Life
- Objective: Improve living conditions and quality of life to reduce the incentive for illegal migration.
- Action Steps:
- Invest in infrastructure development, including healthcare, education, and basic amenities.
- Implement social welfare programs targeting vulnerable populations.
- Develop affordable housing and improve overall living standards.
- Enforce Stringent Measures Against Intermediaries
- Objective: Disrupt the networks facilitating illegal migration through the donkey route.
- Action Steps:
- Strengthen law enforcement to identify and prosecute individuals involved in human trafficking.
- Collaborate with international agencies to share information and coordinate efforts.
- Implement stricter penalties for intermediaries engaging in illegal migration activities.
- Promote Awareness and Legal Alternatives
- Objective: Educate potential migrants about legal pathways and the risks associated with illegal methods.
- Action Steps:
- Conduct awareness campaigns highlighting the dangers of the donkey route.
- Provide information about legal immigration channels and opportunities.
- Establish counseling centers to guide individuals seeking migration through legal means.
- International Cooperation
- Objective: Address the global nature of illegal migration by fostering international collaboration.
- Action Steps:
- Engage in diplomatic efforts to collaborate with destination countries on immigration issues.
- Participate in international forums to share best practices and coordinate strategies.
- Ratify and adhere to international agreements addressing human trafficking and illegal migration.
- Community Empowerment
- Objective: Empower local communities to resist the influence of illegal migration networks.
- Action Steps:
- Promote community-based initiatives that provide support and opportunities for residents.
- Establish community centers for skill development and vocational training.
- Encourage community leaders to actively discourage illegal migration and promote legal alternatives.
- Evaluate and Adjust Policies
- Objective: Continuously assess the effectiveness of implemented measures and adapt policies accordingly.
- Action Steps:
- Regularly review the impact of job creation and facilities on migration patterns.
- Collect data on the success of enforcement measures against intermediaries.
- Solicit feedback from communities and migrants to inform policy adjustments.
Conclusion
The term "Dunki" encapsulates the dangerous and illegal journey many Indians undertake, particularly from states like Punjab and Haryana, to cross international borders in pursuit of a better life. The Bollywood film "Dunki" sheds light on the complexities and risks associated with this perilous route, emphasising the need for comprehensive measures to address the root causes of illegal migration. The evolution of passports reflects the changing dynamics of international travel, while the risks and challenges of the Dunki route underscore the urgency for collaborative efforts at the global level. The proposed path ahead advocates for a multifaceted approach, including job creation, improved living conditions, stringent law enforcement, awareness campaigns, international cooperation, community empowerment, and continuous policy evaluation, to mitigate the prevalence of illegal migration through the Dunki route and ensure a safer, legal, and ethical immigration landscape.
