The commencement of deportation of illegal immigrants by the USA government and scores of Indians returning from Russia after serving in the Russian Army as helpers have highlighted the desperation of Punjabi youth to go abroad. Among the 104 deported to India by the USA, 30 are of Punjab origin.
Despite adverse conditions abroad, Punjabi youth are eager to migrate to Western countries. Ignoring the harsh realities of cost-of-living crises and internecine conflicts, they are drawn to the promise of greener pastures. Many have lost their lives or sustained injuries in the process.
The case of Tejpal Singh, a 28-year-old from Amritsar, is a tragic example. He was killed fighting for Russia in its war against Ukraine on March 12, 2024. Singh had previously travelled to Cyprus twice on a study visa and had met his future wife there.
Other youngsters from Punjab have also been lured by advertisements on social media to serve in Russia as food delivery personnel, cooks, and helpers. Many have returned safely, but others have not been so fortunate.
According to Kamal K Bhumla, who operates an overseas educational company in the Doaba region, approximately 1.4 lakh students, 70,000 students, and 50,000 individuals migrate from Punjab every year.
Travel agents have reported that many Punjabi youths prefer to migrate to European countries via Serbia and Eastern Europe. To reach the USA, they travel via Mexico and Panama.
The “donkey route” is another popular method used by migrants. This route involves traveling through forests and using unauthorised border crossings.
Experts attribute the large-scale migration of Punjabi youth to the lack of job opportunities and security in the state. Lakhwinder Singh Gill, former deputy director at Department of Higher Education, Punjab, said that the state needs to focus on education and health sectors and implement a time-bound recruitment policy.
Gill emphasised that migration should be a last resort, not the first priority, for youngsters. He advised students to acquire technical skills and make informed decisions before migrating.
The government has been criticised for its failure to address the issue of unemployment and provide satisfactory salaries to youngsters in private jobs.
