Delhi Police unearth donkey routes taken by illegal immigrants

The Delhi Police have unearthed three routes taken by illegal immigrants also known as Donkey routes in popular culture that are facilitated by the travel agents to send gullible people abroad, primarily to the United States and European countries. The police operation resulted in the arrest of a notorious travel agent responsible for orchestrating this fraud.

- TIKAM SHARMA

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (IGIA) Usha Rangnani, the arrested travel agent guided individuals in leaving India by utilizing the donkey route, which involved transiting through multiple countries, including Kazakhstan, Dubai, Senegal, Libya, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico. After a gruelling journey lasting over 13 months, the migrants would finally enter the United States.

The term “donkey routes” refers to unauthorized and illicit pathways used for human trafficking and illegal migration. The agents presiding over these routes prey on individuals seeking better opportunities, luring them with false promises while subjecting them to hazardous and often lifethreatening journeys.

In addition to the aforementioned route, police have also uncovered two other donkey routes commonly used by illegal immigrants. One route involves travelling to South American and Caribbean nations that offer “Visa on Arrival” facilities, such as El Salvador, Curacao, Nicaragua, and Suriname. From there, migrants make their way to Mexico and subsequently enter the United States.