Driven by the promise of the American Dream, a rising number of desperate individuals from Punjab, Gujarat, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and beyond are using Delhi as a transit hub for illegal immigration. According to a recent report, the city has become a crucial launchpad for those attempting perilous journeys to the US and neighboring countries.
In 2024, the number of individuals attempting to migrate illegally skyrocketed, with a 100% increase in arrests of agents and facilitators engaged in these operations. This alarming trend has shed light on the deep-rooted networks thriving in Delhi, making it the nerve center of illegal immigration.
State-Wise Arrests Reveal Punjab as the Leading Contributor
A state-wise analysis of arrests related to visa fraud highlights the widespread nature of the issue:
- Punjab: 70 arrests
- Haryana: 32 arrests
- Delhi & Uttar Pradesh: 25 arrests each
- West Bengal: 17 arrests
- Maharashtra: 8 arrests
- Gujarat: 7 arrests
- Rajasthan: 4 arrests
With Punjab leading the charge, the findings indicate a growing reliance on illegal immigration routes in several states, fueling an underground industry worth millions.
Why Delhi? The City’s Role in the Immigration Boom
Delhi’s prominence as an illegal immigration hub stems from multiple factors:
1. Indira Gandhi International Airport: A Global Transit Point
As one of the busiest airports in the world, IGI Airport provides easy access to international flights. To avoid scrutiny, smugglers often book indirect routes, making stopovers in third countries before reaching the US.
2. The Thriving Network of Travel Agents and Facilitators
The capital is home to countless travel agencies and immigration consultants who maintain extensive networks with syndicates across India and abroad. These agents charge exorbitant fees to provide fake documents, manipulate immigration records, and facilitate illegal entry into foreign nations.
3. The Rise of Underground ‘Visa Labs’
Delhi has seen a rise in underground visa forgery operations, mass-producing fake visas, counterfeit immigration stamps, and false travel histories. These sophisticated forgery units ensure that individuals bypass strict airport security measures.
Cracking Down: Delhi Police’s War on Illegal Immigration Syndicates
Authorities have intensified efforts to dismantle these networks. Recent police crackdowns have exposed major syndicates, leading to several high-profile arrests.
One of the most significant operations took place in west Delhi, where a fully functional visa forgery factory was discovered. Led by Manoj Monga, a graphic designer, the facility specialized in producing counterfeit visas, appointment letters, and immigration stamps. The police seized high-end printing equipment, engraving machines, watermark printers, and UV machines, used to create convincing fake documents.
Busting Nationwide Syndicates
Further investigations led to a series of raids across Delhi, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, resulting in eight arrests. Another major forgery operation was uncovered in Surat, Gujarat, run by Prateek Shah, an electrical engineer, who specialized in counterfeit PR cards, holograms, and visas.
A Shift in Strategy: Targeting the Masterminds
Previously, authorities primarily arrested illegal immigrants attempting to board flights with fake visas. However, a decisive shift in strategy now targets agents, facilitators, and kingpins behind these networks.
According to DCP (Airport) Usha Rangnani, the new approach focuses on dismantling the root infrastructure supporting visa fraud, tracking high-profile agents, and cracking down on international syndicates operating from overseas.
Expanding the Crackdown: Going After Global Syndicates
Authorities are now coordinating with foreign law enforcement agencies to track down and prosecute syndicate members based abroad. The hunt is on for international fugitives involved in illegal immigration operations, ensuring that no corner of these criminal enterprises remains untouched.
Also Read : Indian companies, diplomats in South Africa welcome reforms in visa regime