Meanwhile in Nepal 
Adding a global perspective, the recently released movie “Dunki,” starring SRK and directed by Rajkumar Hirani, vividly portrayed the struggles of Indians attempting to reach England through illegal routes. The film highlighted the inherent dangers of such journeys. Similarly, in Nepal, the issue of individuals risking their lives for a better future in countries like the USA persists, despite the perilous nature of the Dunki problem. Many Nepalis continue to choose this path, with outcomes that often do not end well.
The quest for improved employment opportunities abroad has been a longstanding aspiration for Nepalis. However, there has been a discernible surge in the trend of Nepalis attempting to enter the USA illegally in recent years. Unfortunately, this pursuit has resulted in tragic consequences, with many losing their lives in the forests, seas, and roads of South America.
The exact number of Nepalis who have perished while attempting illegal entry into the USA remains unknown due to the clandestine nature of these journeys. Families affected by these incidents often receive minimal information, relying solely on news reports from various sources. Authorities in South America and other regions frequently remain reticent, citing the illegal nature of these travels as a reason for withholding information.
Adding to the challenge is the absence of research on these incidents, leaving those who lose their lives during this perilous journey unaccounted for and their families in despair. Ramesh Gautam from Musikot in Rukum West is one such case. Despite his wife Leela Bohara’s efforts to dissuade him, Gautam left for the USA, paying Rs 3.5 million to an agent facilitating his illegal entry.
Tragically, Gautam’s journey ended in disaster when the boat he was on capsized near Capurgana, and he went missing. Over a year later, Bohara remains in the dark about her husband’s fate. The financial burden on families compounds the trauma, as many take substantial loans to fund these journeys. Loan sharks often take advantage of vulnerable individuals, exacerbating the challenges faced by the families.
Pradeep Khatri from Banfikot Rural Municipality in Rukum West shared a similar fate, losing his life in the Caribbean Sea during his illegal journey to the USA. The burden of repaying the loan, which doubled to Rs 7 million in a year, now falls on his grieving wife, Dhanmaya.
The illegal route, known as the ‘bottom road,’ is fraught with peril, requiring individuals to navigate multiple borders and face scrutiny from security personnel. Walking for months and days, crossing rivers, forests, and seas on foot, and evading bandits make the journey treacherous, and not everyone can complete it.
The bodies of the deceased are rarely brought back, leaving families without closure. SSP Jeevan Shrestha, head of the Anti-Human Trafficking Bureau of Nepal Police, cites the lack of diplomatic ties with the countries where these deaths occur as a challenge in bringing back the bodies.
Despite the known dangers and deaths associated with illegal entry into the USA, the ‘pushing factor’ remains a powerful motivator. Labor and migration expert Rameshwar Nepal emphasizes that the desire to leave Nepal compels individuals to take significant risks despite being aware of the potential dangers.
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