The Embassy of India in Mexico issued a travel advisory on September 10, 2024, urging Indian nationals to avoid traveling to Mexico. This warning comes in response to a rise in detentions and deportations of Indian citizens at Mexico’s borders.
The advisory highlights increased scrutiny and immigration checks at entry points, reflecting Mexico’s tightening policies on irregular migration. These measures have led to extended detentions, economic losses, and limited communication access for many Indian travelers.
Migrants Using Mexico as a Transit Route
The travel advisory also points to a broader trend: Indian nationals increasingly use Mexico as a route to enter the United States.
- By 2023, Indian nationals became the second-largest group of Asian migrants passing through Mexico, behind Chinese migrants.
- Migrant numbers surged from fewer than 3,000 in 2022 to over 12,400 in 2023.
- In early 2024, over 3,300 Indian migrants were detected in Mexico.
This sharp rise has led to stricter immigration controls at Mexican borders, particularly for those coming through third countries or holding non-Mexican visas.
Risks of the Journey
Many Indian migrants view Mexico as a gateway to the US and Canada, drawn by hopes of better job opportunities. However, the journey is perilous. There have been several tragic incidents involving Indian migrants:
- In January 2022, four Indian nationals froze to death near the US-Canada border.
- In March 2023, the bodies of eight migrants, including four Indians, were recovered from the San Lorenzo River in Quebec.
These tragedies highlight the severe dangers of these migration routes.
Also Read: Brazil Imposes New Entry Restrictions on Asian Nationals Starting August 26
Economic Drivers Behind the Migration
The surge in migration is mainly driven by economic factors.
- Most Indian migrants are seeking better opportunities abroad due to high unemployment, agricultural distress, and debt.
- Many migrants come from states like Punjab and Gujarat, which have longstanding ties to the U.S.
Human Trafficking Networks
Human trafficking networks, known as “coyotes,” are exploiting migrants.
- These networks offer illegal passage through multiple countries.
- In Cancun, Mexico, authorities dismantled a trafficking network and rescued 75 Indian migrants, retrieving their passports and phones from the traffickers.
The financial cost of these routes can be substantial, with some migrants paying up to $50,000 for passage, despite the significant risks involved.
Stricter Immigration Controls
To manage the influx of migrants, Mexico, the U.S., and Canada have all tightened their immigration controls. In 2023 alone, Mexico deported over 240,000 migrants, reflecting broader global trends in migration management influenced by economic disparities and changing geopolitical landscapes.
Conclusion
The Embassy of India’s advisory serves as a crucial warning for Indian nationals considering travel to Mexico. Rising detentions, deportations, and stricter immigration controls strongly urge Indian travelers to reconsider their plans and stay aware of the potential risks involved.
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