354.4
Smuggling of Migrants from India to Europe Particularly U.K : Issues of Concern
Dr. Jagdish C. Mehta
Head, Department of Sociology,
D.A.V. College, Sector-10, Chandigarh
E-mail- jagdishdavc@yahoo.co.in
Smuggling and irregular migration of individuals across the globe in violation of the established laws of respective countries is a grave problem. India is not the exception. During the last few decades especially with the initiation of liberalization reforms, the menace of illegal immigration is emerging at an alarming scale. Although there are no specific figures of the migrants available; both push and pull factors are at work in this process. Lack of employment opportunities at home, rising aspirations for a better life stimulated by the forces of globalization and the attraction of real or imaginary opportunities for high earnings in developed countries especially the European countries have fuelled this flow.
Unscrupulous intermediaries such as travel agents and brokers have exploited the aspirant migrants and encouraged them to take life thr4eatening risks on their journeys, often using forged travel documents. Many of them have faced tragic consequences. Some of the migrants have also sold their lands and others properties tp pay travel agents and brokers. Thus, the present paper will provide insights to understand the process and issues of illegal migration and their consequences. The paper is based on the observation and field work carried out in the part of Punjab and Haryana (two north-Indian states), where the phenomenon of migration in foreign land is visible to a greater extent. The paper may be an important contribution to understand the trans-national co-operation and to fight against illegal immigration and promoting legal immigration.