Delhi Police Uncover Illegal Immigration Network Exploiting Visa-On-Arrival Countries

An investigation by Delhi police, the Bureau of Immigration, and other security agencies has revealed that agents are exploiting visa-on-arrival policies to facilitate illegal immigration of Indian nationals to the United States and Canada. These "Donkey Routes" involve sending passengers to countries offering visa-on-arrival, then orchestrating illegal border crossings into destination countries.

A senior officer disclosed that a common tactic includes sending passengers with fake Schengen visas to accessible European countries like Azerbaijan or Kazakhstan. From there, they are routed through Central American or Caribbean countries such as Guatemala and Costa Rica to the USA. “These policies, intended for tourists, are being misused to facilitate illegal immigration,” the officer stated.

Usha Rangnani, DCP of IGI Airport, reported that in the first six months of 2024, Delhi Police have arrested 11 agents involved in these illegal activities. She highlighted a recent case where a passenger, who was deported from the USA as an illegal migrant, had entered the country in 2017 via a donkey route organized by agents who charged him Rs. 20 lakhs. His journey took him through Dubai, Cuba, Peru, Nicaragua, and Mexico to the USA. Despite securing work, he faced severe hardships, including having his passport confiscated by the agents. After being imprisoned for nine months due to a quarrel in Chicago, he was deported in 2023.

Agents are also exploiting donkey routes to illegally immigrate passengers into Asian countries. In a reported case, two Rajasthan-based agents were arrested for arranging a passenger's journey to Thailand on a tourist visa, and then facilitating his illegal entry into Malaysia. To legitimize his stay, the agent fake stamped his passport with Thai immigration stamps. The passenger was eventually caught at the airport due to discrepancies in his visa-on-arrival stamp.

In response to the increasing incidents of visa and passport fraud, the Indira Gandhi International Airport Police have apprehended 108 fraudulent agents. These proactive measures and decisive actions underscore their commitment to preserving national security and upholding the integrity of immigration processes.

The IGI Airport Police’s collaborative efforts and comprehensive strategies aim to combat organized crime and maintain public trust in air travel. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to help curb this menace.