Donkey flight
Donkey flight (termed as "dunki" in Punjabi) is an illegal immigration technique used for unauthorized entry into countries like the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia.[1]
Background[edit]
The term originates from a Punjabi idiom meaning "to hop from place to place," where unscrupulous "travel agencies" exploit individuals' aspirations for foreign travel, promising visas in exchange for hefty payments.[2][3]
Driven by the allure of international travel and the dream of sending remittances, many young people invest substantial funds, often selling their assets to finance these journeys. Unfortunately, these families become victims of deception as they pay for promised visas.[4]
Modus operandi[edit]
The tactics used by the conmen for immigration to the UK is as per below. Similar tactics are used for immigration to other countries.[5]
- Conmen exploit migrants by facilitating illegal border crossings, using methods such as containers and ships. Agents apprehend migrants at borders, leading to subsequent deportation.[6]
- The Migration Policy Institute notes that migrants, mainly unskilled laborers, employ "Donkey Flight" to enter the United Kingdom through other European Union countries.[citation needed]
- Migrants pay travel agents for visas to Schengen zone countries, allowing unrestricted travel among most European Union member states.[citation needed]
- "Consultants" in Schengen countries help migrants reach the United Kingdom, which has separate visa restrictions.[citation needed]
- Unscrupulous agents provide forged documents, including residency permits and driving licenses, for those willing to pay. Less affluent migrants are often smuggled into USA through various means, emphasizing the clandestine and perilous nature of the "Donkey Flight" scam.[7]
In popular media[edit]
- The 2017 film Comrade in America revolves around the 'Donkey Flight' travel of the protagonist to reach the United States.[8][9]
- The 2022 film Aaja Mexico Challiye also showcases how the protagonist tries to reach the United States through a donkey route.[10][11]
- The 2023 film Dunki showcases a group of friends trying to reach the United Kingdom through a donkey route.
See also[edit]
- Illegal immigration
- Illegal immigration to the United States
- Illegal immigration to Canada
- Illegal immigration to the United Kingdom
- Illegal entry
References[edit]
- ^ Smith, Nicola (1 February 2014). ""Donkey flights"" (PDF).
- ^ Vasudeva, Vikas (2023-06-16). "Punjab's illegal immigration back in spotlight after Canada's recent deportation threat". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2023-11-22.
- ^ "On migrant trail, the 'donkey route' that Indians use to illegally enter US". Hindustan Times. 2023-08-07. Retrieved 2023-11-22.
- ^ Bhargava, Kshitij (2020-08-29). "The curious case of donkey and donkers: On the great Indian (illegal) immigration trail". The Economic Times. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2023-11-22.
- ^ "The 'donkey route' to Britain: Hair-raising tales of illegal immigration". Hindustan Times. 2014-03-24. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
- ^ "Panama Tragedy: Youth were taken through donkey flights". The Indian Express. 2016-01-20. Retrieved 2023-11-22.
- ^ Maqsood, Zofeen (2019-10-19). "'USA Donkey': The secret code Indian deportees from Mexico used for their operation - The American Bazaar". Retrieved 2023-12-10.
- ^ Neerad, Amal (2017-05-19), CIA: Comrade in America (Action, Adventure, Drama), Dulquer Salmaan, Karthika Muraleedharan, Siddique, Amal Neerad Productions, retrieved 2023-12-10
- ^ "Comrade in America Review: This tale, from an untrodden turf, is a fine attempt". The New Indian Express. 7 May 2017. Retrieved 2023-12-10.
- ^ "On 'donkey route' to the US, Gurdaspur man killed in Mexico bus accident". The Indian Express. 2023-08-31. Retrieved 2023-12-17.
- ^ "Ammy Virk starrer Aaja Mexico Challiye highlights the struggles of all those who harbour dreams of moving to a foreign country and get tricked by agents". Tribune India.