Gujarat illegal immigrants - in pictures

  • Every year thousands of people from India's Gujarat state migrate to western countries, with the US the most favoured. Coaching centres, such as the Foreign Education Club in Mehsana district, help young people pass exams to study at foreign universities. All photos: Taniya Dutta/ The National
    Every year thousands of people from India's Gujarat state migrate to western countries, with the US the most favoured. Coaching centres, such as the Foreign Education Club in Mehsana district, help young people pass exams to study at foreign universities. All photos: Taniya Dutta/ The National
  • A village woman carrying water walks past a poster advertising visa and immigration services in Nardipur, Gujarat
    A village woman carrying water walks past a poster advertising visa and immigration services in Nardipur, Gujarat
  • Dilip Kumar Chaudhary, 24, from Mehsana district, is preparing for a study visa in Canada
    Dilip Kumar Chaudhary, 24, from Mehsana district, is preparing for a study visa in Canada
  • Dingucha is known as the 'village of NRIs' (non-resident Indians) as more than 80 per cent of its families have settled abroad
    Dingucha is known as the 'village of NRIs' (non-resident Indians) as more than 80 per cent of its families have settled abroad
  • In 2022, a couple and their two children from Dingucha were found frozen to death in Manitoba, Canada, close to the border with the US which they were trying to enter illegally
    In 2022, a couple and their two children from Dingucha were found frozen to death in Manitoba, Canada, close to the border with the US which they were trying to enter illegally
  • Garima Sharma co-runs the Foreign Education Club with her husband Varun, teaching English to people wanting to study at foreign universities and settle abroad
    Garima Sharma co-runs the Foreign Education Club with her husband Varun, teaching English to people wanting to study at foreign universities and settle abroad
  • Villagers from Gujarat have been moving abroad, especially to western countries, because of the employment opportunities and higher salaries
    Villagers from Gujarat have been moving abroad, especially to western countries, because of the employment opportunities and higher salaries
  • A company in Dingucha village that couriers parcels to the UK, the US, Australia and other countries
    A company in Dingucha village that couriers parcels to the UK, the US, Australia and other countries