In a shocking development, human traffickers have manipulated the Canadian study visa system to smuggle thousands of Indian nationals into the United States. More than 260 Canadian higher education institutions have been unwittingly involved in this illegal scheme. The findings come from an ongoing investigation by India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED), revealing the scale and complexity of the operation.

How the Scheme Operated

The trafficking network primarily targeted Indian nationals seeking illegal entry into the United States. The traffickers obtained Canadian study visas by enrolling individuals in legitimate educational institutions. However, instead of attending the institutions, the individuals used their entry to Canada as a stepping stone to cross the U.S. border illegally.

Further investigations showed that some colleges refunded tuition fees to these individuals’ accounts, raising questions about their possible unintentional involvement in the scheme. Additionally, two Indian entities facilitated these illegal activities through agreements with overseas universities to enroll students on a commission basis.

Key Findings of the Investigation

India’s Enforcement Directorate uncovered critical details during its probe into what is being called the “Dingucha case,” named after a Gujarati village. The investigation revealed the following:

• Over 25,000 students were referred to overseas institutions by one of the implicated entities, with another referring more than 10,000 students annually.
• The traffickers charged individuals between ₹5.5 million to ₹6 million (approximately USD 66,000 to USD 72,000) to facilitate their illegal entry into the United States.
• Around 800 agents were actively involved in the scheme, operating under the cover of educational consultancies.
• Seizures included two vehicles, bank accounts with ₹1.9 million in funds, and incriminating documents and digital devices.

The investigation highlights a well-organized operation, where innocent individuals were lured with promises of better opportunities abroad but were instead subjected to illegal and risky methods to cross borders.

The Dingucha Case

The “Dingucha case” gained notoriety after a family of four from the Gujarati village of Dingucha tragically froze to death while attempting to cross the U.S.-Canada border in early 2021. This incident underscored the human cost of such illegal migration schemes and sparked widespread condemnation.

Impact on Educational Institutions

The investigation revealed that over 260 Canadian institutions were linked to the trafficking operation, with 112 institutions having agreements with one entity and over 150 with another. While there is no evidence to suggest these institutions knowingly participated in the illegal activities, their partnerships with Indian intermediaries made them unwitting players in the scheme.

Industry Response

The revelations have sent shockwaves through the international education sector. Sumit Rai, founder of EUGateway, called the reports “truly shocking” and emphasized the need for the education industry to collaborate in preventing such schemes. Similarly, Ravi Lochan Singh of Global Reach highlighted the importance of stricter oversight and due diligence when working with agents.

Call for Stronger Regulations

This case underscores the urgent need for enhanced regulatory measures in international student recruitment. Governments, educational institutions, and regulatory bodies must work together to establish stringent checks and balances to prevent such exploitation. Strengthened collaborations between countries are also vital to dismantle cross-border human trafficking networks.

The misuse of Canadian study visas by human traffickers has exposed significant vulnerabilities in the immigration and education systems. While the victims of these schemes face dire consequences, the revelations also serve as a wake-up call for educational institutions and governments to address these systemic issues. Ensuring legitimate and safe pathways for international students must remain a top priority to protect individuals and uphold the integrity of global education.