Donkey flight ("dunki" in Punjabi) is an illegal immigration technique used for unauthorized entry into countries such as the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia.[1]
Background
editThe term originates from a Punjabi idiom named dunki 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]
Many young people divert substantial funds to pay for these journeys. These families become victims of deception as they pay for promised visas.[4]
Operation
editThe approach is used for immigration to many countries.[5]
- Conmen exploit migrants by facilitating illegal border crossings, using methods such as containers and ships. Agents apprehend migrants at borders, leading to deportation.[6]
- Agents provide forged documents, including residency permits and driving licenses. Less affluent migrants are often smuggled into the US, emphasizing the clandestine and perilous nature of the "Donkey Flight" scam.[7]
In popular media
edit- Comrade in America (2017) revolves around the 'Donkey Flight' travel of the protagonist to reach the United States.[8][9]
- Aaja Mexico Challiye (2022) showcases how the protagonist tries to reach the United States through a donkey route.[10][11]
- Dunki (2023) showcases a group of friends trying to reach the United Kingdom through a donkey route.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Smith, Nicola (1 February 2014). ""Donkey flights"" (PDF).
- ^ Vasudeva, Vikas (16 June 2023). "Punjab's illegal immigration back in spotlight after Canada's recent deportation threat". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
- ^ "On migrant trail, the 'donkey route' that Indians use to illegally enter US". Hindustan Times. 7 August 2023. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
- ^ Bhargava, Kshitij (29 August 2020). "The curious case of donkey and donkers: On the great Indian (illegal) immigration trail". The Economic Times. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
- ^ "The 'donkey route' to Britain: Hair-raising tales of illegal immigration". Hindustan Times. 24 March 2014. Retrieved 10 December 2023.
- ^ "Panama Tragedy: Youth were taken through donkey flights". The Indian Express. 20 January 2016. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
- ^ Maqsood, Zofeen (19 October 2019). "'USA Donkey': The secret code Indian deportees from Mexico used for their operation - The American Bazaar". Retrieved 10 December 2023.
- ^ Neerad, Amal (19 May 2017), CIA: Comrade in America (Action, Adventure, Drama), Dulquer Salmaan, Karthika Muraleedharan, Siddique, Amal Neerad Productions, retrieved 10 December 2023
- ^ "Comrade in America Review: This tale, from an untrodden turf, is a fine attempt". The New Indian Express. 7 May 2017. Retrieved 10 December 2023.
- ^ "On 'donkey route' to the US, Gurdaspur man killed in Mexico bus accident". The Indian Express. 31 August 2023. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
- ^ "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.