At least 1,703 Indians have been deported this year, with Punjab accounting for the highest number at 620, according to government data. 
Many of them, despite heavy debt and humiliation, continue to look for ways to head abroad &mdash; whether to the US again or to Canada, Europe, Australia, or the Gulf.
Most were caught using the illegal &ldquo;donkey route,&rdquo; which involves dangerous travel through multiple countries before reaching the US, only to end up in detention and eventual deportation. 
Yet, desperation and debt are driving fresh attempts.
Families Taking Risks Again
Harwinder Singh, 43, from Hoshiarpur, was among the 104 Indians deported on February 5. 
Depressed after his return, he has since left for Europe on a tourist visa, arranged by the same agent who earlier sent him through Qatar, Brazil, Peru, and Panama. 
His wife confirmed that the family had paid ₹42 lakh the first time, but declined to reveal how much was spent now.
Amit Badhan, 23, from Jalandhar, also deported in February, is now approaching registered agents for legal migration. 
&ldquo;We learnt our lesson the hard way. I still want to go abroad but this time legally,&rdquo; he said, recalling the stigma he faced after returning.
IELTS Seen as a Ticket Abroad
In Amritsar&rsquo;s Rajatal village, Akashdeep Singh, 23, was deported after an eight-month ordeal via the donkey route. 
His family, burdened with debt after selling land and paying ₹55 lakh to an agent, is now considering sending him to Australia through marriage to a woman with the required IELTS score.
&ldquo;He now helps in farming, but we want to give him another chance,&rdquo; said his father, Swaran Singh, who has given up hopes of recovering money from the agent.
Gulf and Canada the Alternatives
Mandeep Singh, 29, from Tarn Taran, is planning to move to Dubai for work after failing to find employment at home. 
His family sold property and borrowed money to pay ₹35 lakh to an agent for his failed US trip. 
Though a police complaint was lodged, no action has been taken against the agent.
Meanwhile, some have managed to succeed on their second attempt. 
Akash Rana, 20, from Haryana&rsquo;s Karnal district, who was deported in February, has already reached Canada. 
His family spent ₹45 lakh, selling land to fund his travel.&nbsp;
&ldquo;He will soon get good work and send us money,&rdquo; his brother said.
Desperation Drives the Cycle
Despite deportations, stigma, and financial ruin, the incentive to go abroad remains high in Punjab and Haryana. 
For many families struggling with unemployment and debt, foreign migration &mdash; whether legal or illegal &mdash; continues to be seen as the only path to survival.

Deported Indians still chase risky foreign dreams

Debt-ridden deportees from Punjab, Haryana eye US, Canada, Australia, Gulf for fresh start

Deported Indians Chase Costly Foreign Dreams Again

Debt-ridden deportees from Punjab, Haryana eye US, Canada, Australia, Gulf for fresh start

September 29, 2025 | 23:13 IST