"Donkey Routes": The Complex Network of Illegal Immigration and the Role of "Solo Wanderers"

In the shadowy world of illegal immigration, a clandestine strategy known as the "donkey route" is gaining prominence, where aspiring migrants are advised to adopt a "solo wanderer" profile to increase their chances of success. This strategy involves presenting a substantial travel history on passports, making them appear as seasoned travellers. The repercussions of this method are evident in the startling statistics revealed by the US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), reporting a staggering 96,917 Indians arrested while attempting to enter the US illegally in 2023.

Nicaragua emerges as a favoured transit route due to its porous borders, lenient visa policies, and the presence of purportedly knowledgeable agents. The CBP expresses concern over the unusually high number of chartered flights landing with tourists, raising suspicions about the authenticity of their travel intentions.

The target demographic for this illegal immigration scheme primarily comprises men aged 25-40. To evade detection, these individuals are advised to embark on foreign trips to offbeat, visa-free European locations, creating an illusion of genuine tourism. Agents assist in managing social media profiles, further bolstering the facade. This careful orchestration enables migrants to enter transit countries posing as legitimate tourists before undertaking the perilous last stretch of their journey.

The process involves considerable financial investment, with an estimated cost of around Rs 1 crore, covering travel expenses and providing a "legal cover." An alarming incident involving 276 Indian "tourists" grounded in Paris highlights the meticulous planning behind this method. These individuals, who had multiple passport stamps from various tourist destinations, exemplify the strategy's sophistication.

A revealing statement from a CID official emphasizes the importance of valid visas or visa-free routes for the journey's legality. Travel agents strategically obtain genuine visa stamps before sending migrants to transit countries. Preferential visa stamps include those from Nepal, Dubai, Armenia, and various European countries.

The preferred transit countries for illegal entry into Europe include Bosnia, Portugal, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. For those bound for the US, Latin and Central American countries like Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Spain, Brazil, and Venezuela serve as popular transit points.

This intricate web of illegal immigration underscores the challenges faced by authorities in monitoring and curbing clandestine migration routes. The complexity of the "donkey route" reveals a sophisticated network of agents, visa manipulations, and strategic planning, presenting a formidable challenge for immigration enforcement agencies.