Irregular Migration and Human Smuggling in India

Irregular migration is a significant issue in India, particularly affecting states like Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, and Gujarat. This process, often referred to as human smuggling or kabootarbazi, involves the illegal movement of people across borders, facilitated by unethical practitioners who exploit young Indians dreaming of better opportunities abroad.

Issues Faced by Illegal Immigrants

• Illegal immigrants often face harsh conditions such as being shackled, handcuffed, and humiliated.
• Many are abandoned in dangerous situations, like clearing ammunition fields in conflict zones.
• Survivors report exploitation, deprivation of basic needs, and witnessing deaths.

Human Smuggling as Organized Crime

• This trade generates significant profits, fueling corruption and organized crime.
• The trade is facilitated by international mafias and poses minimal risks for smugglers.
• Victims are often reduced to slave labor, with little hope of returning home.

Current Legal Framework

The current legal framework in India is inadequate in addressing human smuggling:

• The Emigration Act, 1983, does not define human smuggling and lacks provisions to tackle the issue effectively.
• The Punjab Travel Professionals Regulation Act, 2012, aims to regulate travel agents and curb illegal activities but has poor implementation.

Need for Central Legislation

There is a pressing need for a comprehensive central law to effectively combat human smuggling and protect Indian citizens.

• Current state-level legislation is piecemeal and limited in scope.
• A central law could provide a unified approach to regulate and curb human smuggling across India, thus immediate legislative action to save lives and curb this deadly trade is need of the hour.