Donkey flight (termed as "dunki" in
Punjabi
Punjabi, or Panjabi, most often refers to:
* Something of, from, or related to Punjab, a region in India and Pakistan
* Punjabi language
* Punjabi people
* Punjabi dialects and languages
Punjabi may also refer to:
* Punjabi (horse), a British Th ...
) is an
illegal immigration
Illegal immigration is the migration of people into a country in violation of the immigration laws of that country or the continued residence without the legal right to live in that country. Illegal immigration tends to be financially upwar ...
technique used for
unauthorized entry into countries like the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia.
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.
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. Unfortunately, these families become victims of deception as they pay for promised visas.
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.
* Conmen exploit migrants by facilitating illegal border crossings, using methods such as containers and ships. Agents apprehend migrants at borders, leading to subsequent deportation.
* The Migration Policy Institute notes that migrants, mainly unskilled laborers, employ "Donkey Flight" to enter the United Kingdom through other European Union countries.
* Migrants pay travel agents for visas to
Schengen zone countries, allowing unrestricted travel among most European Union member states.
* "Consultants" in Schengen countries help migrants reach the United Kingdom, which has separate visa restrictions.
* 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.
In popular media
* The 2017 film ''
Comrade in America'' revolves around the 'Donkey Flight' travel of the protagonist to reach the
United States.
* The 2022 film ''
Aaja Mexico Challiye
''Aaja Mexico Challiye'' () is a 2022 Indian Punjabi-language thriller drama film directed by Rakesh Dhawan starring Ammy Virk, Nasir Chinyoti and Yasaman Mohsani.
Plot
The story of this film revolves around Ammy Virk's character Pamma and ...
'' also showcases how the protagonist tries to reach the United States through a donkey route.
[ ]
* 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 is the migration of people into a country in violation of the immigration laws of that country or the continued residence without the legal right to live in that country. Illegal immigration tends to be financially upwar ...
*
Illegal immigration to the United States
Illegal immigration to the United States is the process of migrating into the United States in violation of federal immigration laws. This can include foreign nationals (aliens) who have entered the United States unlawfully, as well as thos ...
*
Illegal immigration to Canada
*
Illegal immigration to the United Kingdom
Although it is difficult to measure how many people reside in the UK without authorisation, a Home Office study based on Census 2001 data released in March 2005 estimated a population of between 310,000 and 570,000. The methods used to arrive ...
*
Illegal entry
References
{{reflist
Illegal immigration
Punjabi words and phrases
Indian emigrants
Illegal immigration to India
Illegal immigration to Europe
Illegal immigration to North America
Illegal immigration to the United States
Illegal immigration to the United Kingdom
Border control