‘Dunki’: Not Just Victims, But Participants—The Story of a System Gone Astray

Why 'Dunki' Started, Where People Went Super Wrong. A 21-Year Immigration Perspective

As I sit to write this article, my inbox is flooded with queries from anxious parents and misguided students about the infamous ‘Dunki’ route—an illegal passage taken by those desperate to enter foreign lands without the hassle of IELTS, admissions, or legal paperwork. But the real question is, why do people still choose this path despite knowing its risks?

Coming from an immigration background, for the last 21 years, I have encountered countless cases where people, knowingly or unknowingly, have risked their lives and their futures to chase a dream built on illegal foundations. What started as a desperate measure in 1989 due to a lack of awareness has now turned into a well-oiled, dangerous racket, despite the availability of legal pathways, educators, and consultants.

The Education Paradox

Education in India is both revered and feared. Some see it as a stepping stone, while others treat it as an unbearable burden. The desperation to escape has led students as young as 18 to opt for the ‘Dunki’ route, choosing shortcuts over scholarships and deceit over discipline. But let’s not just blame the kids—where are the parents in all of this? Shockingly, many willingly sell their hard-earned property, handing over lakhs to ‘agents’ who promise a way in, no questions asked.

This is where things go terribly wrong. Families knowingly invest in a lie, thinking they are securing their child’s future, when in reality, they are setting them up for a lifetime of uncertainty. The moment one person successfully makes it, they turn into an unwitting recruiter—encouraging others to follow the same dangerous path, creating a vicious cycle that refuses to end.

A Shortcut to Regret

Let’s put things into perspective. If we consider the cost of higher education abroad, a three-year bachelor's degree from a well-reputed institution, pursued legally, costs around Rs 45 lakhs, while a master’s degree costs between Rs 15 and Rs 20 lakhs. This amount is often less than what people end up paying shady ‘agents’ who promise them a backdoor entry into a foreign land. The difference? The legal path ensures a degree, a secured career, and a peaceful life. The illegal route, on the other hand, ensures fear, legal trouble, and a future hanging by a thread.

The irony is that we are no longer in the 1980s, when information was scarce. Today, with an abundance of immigration consultants, education experts, and government programmes, students have every resource at their fingertips to move abroad legally. Yet, some still choose to gamble with their lives, walking blindfolded into the unknown.

Jumping Fences: A Dangerous Path

The journey through ‘dunki routes’ is anything but glamorous. Migrants, desperate to reach their dream destinations, take perilous treks through dense jungles, cross freezing rivers, and scale towering fences—all at the mercy of smugglers who often abandon them midway. Many face starvation, injury, and even death en route. These journeys are not just illegal; they are fraught with life-threatening risks. The constant fear of arrest, deportation, or even exploitation at the hands of human traffickers makes this route a gamble where the stakes are terrifyingly high.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, a recent Punjab Police probe into the ‘dunki’ network has uncovered an intricate web of agents spanning 32 countries, orchestrating global money trails and exploiting vulnerable individuals. As per their investigation, 19 FIRs have been registered, revealing how deportees have been manipulated into crossing countries like China, Guinea, Kenya, Egypt, and many others.?

The Reality Check

Every person who takes this illegal path knows what they are getting into. They are not victims of ignorance but of poor judgment. The solution? Awareness and strict discouragement. Families need to understand that education and hard work will always triumph over shortcuts. Governments need to crack down harder on illegal agents. Students must realise that a future built on deception is no future at all.

If you’re considering this route, stop. Ask yourself—is it really worth the risk? Because the price you pay is not just in money but in dignity, safety, and peace of mind.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this issue. What are some of the challenges that people or migrants face in their home country that make them believe ‘dunki’ is the only way to change their lives? Drop your comments below, and let’s discuss.