INTRODUCTION

• Indians are showing an increasing tendency to move abroad to greener pastures.
• More than 16 lakh Indians have renounced their Indian citizenship since 2011, including a whopping 225,620 in 2022 alone.
• According to the Global Wealth Migration Review, around 2% of the country's millionaires have already flocked overseas in 2020.
• US Customs and Border Patrol Report says 96,917 Indians were arrested while attempting to enter the US illegally in 2023 alone. Indians form the third largest illegal immigrants in the US, numbering around 725,000.

WHAT IS THE MODUS OPERANDI OF THE PEOPLE SMUGGLERS?

The tactics employed by the conmen vary but often follow a similar pattern. We can take the case of Europe as an example:

• Migrants, usually unskilled labourers, employ "Donkey flight" to enter the UK through other European Union countries.
• The migrants pay travel agents for visas to 27 Schengen zone countries, which allow unrestricted travel among most European Union member states.
• Subsequently, "consultants" in Schengen countries aid migrants in reaching the United Kingdom illegally, which has separate visa restrictions.
• The donker’s further provide forged documents, including residency permits and driving licenses, for those willing to pay.
• Other migrants enter the USA through these means via Canada or Mexico.
• Many pay with their life savings (60-80 lakhs), loans, and sometimes with their lives.

Examples:

• Serbia, a Balkan nation, had visa-free arrivals for Indians and was used as an illegal transit route to Europe. In October 2022, the country had to withdraw visa-free arrivals due to pressure from the EU.
• In the case of Nicaragua, since they don't have an embassy in India, Indian passport holders are eligible to get a visa on arrival in Nicaragua.
• They then cross the porous borders through the forests or sea to finally reach the USA.

HOW TO CONTROL THE MIGRATION?

Fill the information gap: Companies offering services exploit the poorly informed populace. Government needs to create proper awareness regarding the visa processes and laws.

Government expenditure: Investing more in sectors that are crucial and face high brain drain will lead to a big change.

Fellowships and internships: Should be launched to give the youngsters what they deserve and want to enrich the quality of education and research in India.

Salaries and benefits: By ensuring global scale in both, and promoting entrepreneurship, the young bunch will not have to consider leaving the country at all.

Immigration policies: Policies that facilitate the return of skilled professionals can be implemented by recognizing and valuing their international experience.

Modern infrastructure: Development and maintenance of modern infrastructure, including technology, transportation, and healthcare, to improve the overall quality of life for residents.

Security standards: Stringent implementation of IPC section for protection of women both in office and home must be ensured.

Tax incentives: And other financial benefits can be offered to businesses and individuals contributing to the growth of key sectors.

Social media: Many Facebook and Instagram channels provide donkey route services right under the nose of security agencies. The groups that provide such services and comments sections for gullible youngsters must be tracked.

 

CONCLUSION

As Indians continue to pursue better prospects and opportunities worldwide, their diaspora remains strong, contributing to the global migration landscape. But the Indian talents must keep India as their 1st priority and the government must bring in polici

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