India in general and Punjab in particular, is a major source of illegal immigration.
Human trafficking is a multi-million dollar business, operated by well-connected international cartels.
Unscrupulous immigration agents and ‘Labour Suppliers’ prey on vulnerable people who are keen to go overseas. They submit fake documents and fictitious certificates to get visas and other permits.
Applicants are equally at fault to agree to such procedures and organise fake marriages of their sons and daughters.
It is alleged that politicians including Members of the State Legislative Assembly and Union Parliament, government officials, religious leaders, sportspersons and other people of importance are a part of this international racket.
A majority of such human traffic moves towards UK, US and Canada, about 60% of who are from Punjab.
Australia and New Zealand are increasingly becoming attractive destination for illegal immigrants, sent by human traffickers.
Appalling conditions
Most of these illegal immigrants work and live under appalling conditions.
Many of them are employed as chefs, cooks and waiters in Indian hotels and restaurants. UK has established special squads to apprehend such illegal immigrants and deport them back to their home country.
I understand that immigration officials and other government departments are accessories to human trafficking.
According to one source, the Spanish embassy in Delhi granted visitor visa to many cycle dealers’ many years ago and they are ‘lost somewhere in Spain or Europe.’
Dubious visitors
About five years ago, about 40 visitors from Punjab came to New Zealand posting as ‘religious people.’ While many of them were deported, some ‘lost themselves.’ It is possible that they have now become Permanent Residents.
It is not uncommon for Immigration New Zealand to issue visit visas to people without properly checking their background. Sometime ago, an illiterate man was given a visitor visa to attend an education conference in Wellington.
It is extremely difficult for students from India to secure admission in reputed universities in many countries, including Australia, New Zealand, UK, US and Canada. Many students from India look for jobs as soon as they arrive in these countries and end up in jobs that are far removed from their qualifications and learning.
It is a sad fact that some education providers and institutions are exploiting the situation and have become ‘visa factories.’
With INZ tightening the requirements for Expression of Interest and Skilled Migrant Category, there are possibilities of irregular practices increasing in the near future.
Gurjinder Singh is a Licensed Immigration Advisor, a Barrister and Solicitor of High Court of Auckland based in Papatoetoe, South Auckland.
