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TRAFFICKING RISES IN ANDHRA
By M H AHSAN
That men and women from Andhra Pradesh are lured with job offers
in Gulf countries may not entirely be a new phenomenon. But, this human
smuggling is now increasing particularly the Telangana region and coastal
districts of the state, according to the police and activists working in
districts.
Police officials say that although no written complaints have been filed so
far by any victim, cases of trafficking are on the rise. This is reflected
in the rise in the large number of cases involving ECNR (Emigration Check
Not Required) frauds and incorrect visa endorsements.
“This is illegal immigration that eventually takes the shape of
trafficking,” says S Umapathi, inspector general of police, CID, in charge
of the women protection cell. Since most of the cases end up in
exploitation of the immigrant, they are considered as trafficking, he says,
adding that in such cases, the victims are sent without proper
documentation.
“Their passports could be fine but their visa and ECNR endorsements would
be incorrect. For instance, they would be going to the Gulf on a visit visa
and without a work permit and their passport would not have an ECNR stamp,”
Umapathi says. This thwarts their chance of getting the promised job and
also that of returning home.
Police officials say that since the Protector of Emigrants Office is there
only in Hyderabad, all the unskilled workers have to come to Hyderabad to
get ECNR stamping. It is here that they have to depend on ‘agents’ to get
the job done.
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INSIDE STORY
