Donkey flight explained

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

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. These families become victims of deception as they pay for promised visas.^[4]

Modus operandi

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]
• 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

• The 2017 film Comrade in America revolves around the 'Donkey Flight' travel of the protagonist to reach the United States.^[8]
• The 2022 film Aaja Mexico Challiye also showcases how the protagonist tries to reach the United States through a donkey route.^{[9] [10]}
• The 2023 film Dunki showcases a group of friends trying to reach the United Kingdom through a donkey route.

See also

• Illegal immigration
• Illegal immigration to the United States
• Illegal immigration to Canada
• Illegal immigration to the United Kingdom
• Illegal entry

Notes and References

1. Web site: Smith . Nicola . 1 February 2014 . "Donkey flights".
2. News: Vasudeva . Vikas . 2023-06-16 . Punjab's illegal immigration back in spotlight after Canada's recent deportation threat . en-IN . The Hindu . 2023-11-22 . 0971-751X.
3. Web site: 2023-08-07 . On migrant trail, the 'donkey route' that Indians use to illegally enter US . 2023-11-22 . Hindustan Times . en.
4. News: Bhargava . Kshitij . 2020-08-29 . The curious case of donkey and donkers: On the great Indian (illegal) immigration trail . The Economic Times . 2023-11-22 . 0013-0389.
5. Web site: 2014-03-24 . The 'donkey route' to Britain: Hair-raising tales of illegal immigration . 2023-12-10 . Hindustan Times . en.
6. Web site: 2016-01-20 . Panama Tragedy: Youth were taken through donkey flights . 2023-11-22 . The Indian Express . en.
7. Web site: Maqsood . Zofeen . 2019-10-19 . 'USA Donkey': The secret code Indian deportees from Mexico used for their operation - The American Bazaar . 2023-12-10 . en-US.
8. Web site: Comrade in America Review: This tale, from an untrodden turf, is a fine attempt . 2023-12-10 . The New Indian Express. 7 May 2017 .
9. Web site: 2023-08-31 . On 'donkey route' to the US, Gurdaspur man killed in Mexico bus accident . 2023-12-17 . The Indian Express . en.
10. Web site: 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.