NEW DEHLI: Recent media reports, supported by research from Migration Watch, have unveiled a notable migration trend originating from India towards economically advanced regions such as North America and Europe.
This trend highlights the diverse avenues that individuals are exploring to secure entry into these affluent nations, with employment prospects and the aspiration for improved economic well-being serving as the primary driving forces.
The reports indicate that a growing number of Indian citizens are seeking opportunities abroad, often opting for routes that offer employment and a chance for long-term settlement in these prosperous countries. This migration pattern reflects the global appeal of these developed regions and the pursuit of a better quality of life for individuals and their families.
Migration Watch’s research sheds light on the intricate dynamics of this migration phenomenon, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities it presents for governments, businesses, and the individuals embarking on this transformative journey.
In January of last year (2022), there were reports of a tragic incident where five family members lost their lives due to exposure to extreme cold temperatures, with temperatures plummeting to -20 degrees Celsius, as they attempted to enter the United States by crossing through Canada.
United States of America, top destination for Indians
A recent report by a leading Indian news website reveals that approximately 149,000 Indian immigrants were detained by US authorities between February 2019 and March 2022. This diverse group includes those who overstayed their visas and individuals hesitant to return to India.
While some come to the United States for economic opportunities, many are fleeing persecution and instability back home.
The latter group comprises a wide range of individuals, including Muslims, Christians, “low-caste” Hindus, members of India’s LGBTQ+ community fearing violence from extreme Hindu nationalists, supporters of secessionist movements, and farmers from Punjab, where protests have been ongoing since 2020.
This report highlights the complex factors driving Indian immigration to the US, such as economic prospects and the need for safety. It underscores the diverse backgrounds and experiences of Indian immigrants, reflecting the global appeal and challenges of migration to the United States.
United Kingdom
The UK has introduced an “illegal migration bill” to address the entry of Indians into the country. Around 45,755 Indian migrants have crossed the English Channel to enter the UK. An accord between Serbia and India for visa-free entry for 30 days contributed to the issue. This arrangement ended on January 1, 2023, but Indians continue to attempt illegal boat crossings to reach the UK.
Indians are now the third-largest group of migrants entering the UK through perilous small boat journeys across the English Channel, following Afghans and Syrians. In 2023, approximately 250 Indian migrants made this journey, surpassing the 233 in 2022. Many, including students, seek asylum in the UK, partly to avoid international student fees.
This illegal migration route often involves traveling through Europe to France and then waiting in the Calais Jungle to pay smugglers for the final leg into the UK. Home Office statistics reveal that around 233 Indians illegally entered the UK on small boats between January and September 2022. Out of the 45,746 migrants crossing the Channel in small boats in 2022, an estimated 323 were Indians, according to the Refugee Council.
Canada
In 2022, Canada issued deportation notices to more than 700 Indian students due to concerns about ‘fake admission offer letters.’ These students recently received deportation letters from the Canadian Border Security Agency (CBSA). They had applied for student visas between 2018 and 2022 through Education Migration Services, an agency based in Jalandhar, led by Brijesh Sharma.
It’s worth noting that in the same year, a tragic incident occurred when a four-member Indian family froze to death while attempting to illegally cross the US-Canada border in pursuit of a better future.
Causes of Exodus of Indians to Western Countries
Mass migration is driven by limited social mobility in India, where the ruling elite’s control of state institutions restricts economic opportunities for many. State-sponsored media portrays false narratives of development while poverty persists.
Modi’s slogans of a ‘Shining India’ and ‘Aache din’ (Good Days) are seen as deceptive. The rise of Hindutva ideology narrows diversity, impacting the job market and educational environments, worsening India’s internal situation.
