Why undocumented migrants risk their lives and human trafficking to cross deadly Darien Gap

Why do Indians—mainly from Punjab and Gujarat—take such a dangerous route, especially when they have paid hefty amounts to human traffickers who can organise a safer, albeit more expensive, passage?

What is the Darien Gap?

For years, the Darien Gap, a 97-kilometre-long stretch, has been infamous for its hazardous conditions: torrential rain, swamps, snakes, wildlife, extreme heat, and the constant threat of criminal gangs who rob and extort travellers. Hundreds of people cross the gap every day, with an alarming number of fatalities along the way. In 2024 alone, three lakh migrants crossed it, down from over half a million migrants in 2023.

Every day, between 700 to 1,000 migrants take “the dunki route” through the Darien Gap, often in small groups. However, Indians account for a relatively small portion of this number — around 60-70 people monthly — according to local Indian agents. These numbers used to be higher, but the onset of the Covid pandemic, along with the availability of safer and faster routes have contributed to this decline.

Why do migrants risk passage through this perilous route?

The answer is a complex mix of financial constraints, misinformation, and a sense of urgency. Many migrants in Latin American countries, such as Colombia, view the Darien Gap as the quickest and cheapest route forward. The alternative — organising air travel and navigating bureaucratic delays for transit visas — can be expensive and time-consuming. For migrants who have already spent months or years preparing for their journey, waiting for visas is simply not an option. In such cases, the Darien Gap becomes the only viable alternative.

Human traffickers play a significant role in this dangerous journey. “In exchange for hefty amounts, they promise safe passage bypassing the jungle,” said a Jalandhar-based agent who has ‘helped’ migrants travel via the Dunki route for a decade. “However, reality often falls short of the promises. Many traffickers are dishonest, abandoning migrants after taking their money. Some even claim to arrange air travel through Central America, only to manipulate vulnerable migrants, charging higher fees for services that are never provided.”

“For those who can’t afford to pay upfront for these safer routes, the Darien Gap remains unavoidable. Indian migrants may only be able to afford about Rs. 2 to 5 lakh, while agents fleece them for Rs. 40 to 50 lakh per person. They then find themselves abandoned in the jungle, where the risk of death becomes an ever-present threat,” he added.

The growing preference for safer routes

Over time, more migrants from India, especially from Punjab and Gujarat, have chosen air travel or routes that bypass the Darien Gap. Agents have started to offer safer alternatives, organising flights and visas through countries like Colombia, Ecuador, and Nicaragua. “Private chartered planes are now available from Dubai, Columbia and Suriname.”

“A private jet from Latin America to Central America costs anywhere between Rs. 8 to 10 crores, but they offer a safer, faster journey, and the earnings are around Rs. 60 crores,” said another travel agent. He added that such flights require a lot of effort, as one has to make arrangements with the airport authorities of the destination country and also pay money to the officials there. “But as the trend shifts, it’s clear that safer alternatives—though costly—are becoming a more common choice for migrants from India and beyond,” he said.