Despite Sikh Migrant’s death, Panjabi Youth Flocks to Italy

In June 2024, Satnam Singh from Chand Nawan village in Panjab, died in a farm accident near Rome, Italy, highlighting the exploitation of migrant workers under the illegal gangmaster system known as ‘caporalato’ (SDW Vol 2, Issue 26, Story 7). Singh left Panjab in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown via a ‘donkey route,’ a smuggling path, paying approximately USD 12K borrowed from loan sharks and pledging family assets. Working in Agro Pontino, he endured hard labor, low wages of USD 4-5 per hour, and long hours without compensation. His employer’s son, Antonello Lovato, faces potential homicide charges for neglect. Despite existing Italian laws against exploitation, enforcement is weak, and systemic abuse persists. However, unemployment in Panjab stands at 6.1%, pushing youth to risk dangerous journeys abroad (SDW Vol 2, Issue 45, Story 7). Panjabi youth struggle to find opportunities within Panjab, and amid growing diplomatic tensions with Canada and India, they are left with fewer safe options abroad. Recently, the Canadian govt. revised its visa policy thus ending the issuance of tourist visas with a validity of up to ten years. Under the new guidelines, immigration officers now have the discretion to decide whether to issue single-entry or multiple-entry visas and determine their validity periods. On 8 Nov, Canada abruptly terminated its Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, ending a fast-track study permit process that helped migrate thousands of international students, primarily from Panjab. Additional tightening measures include tougher language and academic benchmarks for the Post-Graduation Work Permit, limited work permits for spouses of international students, and higher financial proof requirements.