Donkey Route

Donkey Route : Recently, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a fresh round of searches in connection with the "U.S. Donkey Route" case.

o The searches were carried out at seven locations — including Mansa in Punjab, and Kurukshetra and Karnal in Haryana.

• About Donkey Route : Refers to a long , illegal and dangerous path taken by illegal migrants to reach countries like the United States or the United Kingdom.

o The term originates from a Punjabi idiom, symbolizing a grueling, unstructured journey.

• Key Risks : Multiple Border Crossings: Migrants often cross several international borders, usually without valid documentation.

o Indirect Pathways: These routes are non-linear and involve stopovers in multiple countries to bypass immigration checks.

o Treacherous Terrain: The journey often includes risky landscapes, such as dense forests, deserts, or oceans.

o False Promises: Migrants are misled by agents and traffickers promising legal entry and employment abroad.

o High Charges: Agents demand large sums of money, sometimes up to ₹30–60 lakh or more, depending on the route.

o Fake Documentation: Services include forged passports, visas, and false job or college admission letters.

o Risky Smuggling Methods: Includes being hidden in shipping containers, or crossing borders in unsafe boats or trucks.