Bust Trafficking Web

For all warning and awareness, innocent Nepalis continue to be trafficked into various countries where they are subject to physical, mental and sexual abuse. Some end up in jails while others die en route to the destination countries. There are also the reports of trafficked Nepalis being disappeared and taken hostage. Because of their illegal status, they find it difficult to come out of the inescapable situation. The wicked agents sell the gullible people the dream of better job in the United States of America (USA) and European nations before pushing them into a hellish condition. They are stranded in alien lands, making their rescue difficult for the authorities of native land. Their tragedy bears huge social and economic costs for all- victims, their family members and the country. Poverty, unemployment and ignorance are some factors that have impelled them to seek their fortune in the foreign lands. Many also show their irrational passion to land in advanced countries illegally although they can earn good income at home with the huge sum they pay to the brokers.

What is more worrying is the fact that many Nepalis chase American dream without realising the ground reality. They do anything to enter the US through illegal routes and channels but are quite oblivious of the life-threatening risks associated with their venture. For example, in June 2021, seven Nepalis lost their lives when their boat sank in the Caribbean Sea. It was carrying 10 Nepalis who were trying to enter the US by the sea. Each of them had paid up to Rs. 3 million to set foot in the USA. Police reports disclosed that scores of Nepalis were left high and dry in African, European and Middle East nations while using these places to go into the US with fake documents. They instantly believe the false assurances of agents who prepare counterfeit visa and work permits for them. 

Those trying to land in the USA are also educated persons, who are trapped in the traffickers’ net owing to their own ignorance and ill judgement. According to the news report published in this daily on Sunday, every year 4,000 to 5,000 Nepalis try to go abroad illegally and via covert land routes only to land in a hot water. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of the Nepal Police has revealed that an increased number of young people has fallen into the hands of middlemen who have organised network to trap the unsuspecting people. The agents are smart enough to spot the vulnerable families and develop intimacy with their relatives before luring them into their scheme. The human traffickers are in league with corrupt immigration officials in various countries. 

There are growing cases of human-trafficking cases and rescue operation but there are comparatively fewer complaints against the culprits. The victims are afraid that their relatives may be jailed if they lodge the case against the agents. It is necessary to provide a mandatory awareness classes for the people going abroad for job. They must be encouraged to verify their visa, tickets and work permits before leaving the country. These documents can be verified online. If they can't do so, they can contact at the CIB's hotline number 1177 to validate them. The Anti-Human Trafficking Bureau (ATHB) of Nepal Police must be modernised with competent human, financial and technical resources while devising the timely policies, plans and laws to eradicate this criminal business.