A recent study titled Demographic and Socio-Economic Analysis of International Migration from Rural Punjab revealed that unemployment is a major reason for rural Panjabis migrating abroad, with 79.95% citing it as the primary cause. Conducted in 98 villages by six researchers, the study found that 81.38% of migrations occurred between 2012 and 2021, with 98.53% migrating legally. Despite seeking better economic and social life, remittances sent back were low; only 63.52% of migrants sent money home, with 63.02% sending up to $6K per year, and only 14.68% sending $12K or more. The study highlights a ‘capital drain’ from India and Panjab, as migrants incur high expenditures but send back little. Meanwhile, US Assistant Secretary for Border and Immigration Policy Royce Murray announced that over 1,100 Indians who illegally entered the US have been repatriated in the past year, with the latest flight on 22 Oct bringing over 100 passengers to Panjab. Amid the ongoing diplomatic row between Canada and India, Sikhs residing in the US, UK, and Canada are increasingly fearful of surveillance and potential attacks by Indian state agents. At least two dozen Sikhs across the US, UK, and Canada have received a ‘threat to life warning notice’ by police about potential threats, although the sources remain undisclosed. Canadian journalist Ramanjit Singh and Kapurthala MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh emphasized that Non-Resident Indians bear the brunt of the situation, as strained ties impact not only family reunions but also $10B annual trade between the two countries.
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