THIMPHU – Harsh working conditions, unemployment, and high living costs have driven over 300 Bhutanese, particularly students, to cross the 8,891-kilometre-long Canada-US border, the longest border in the world, to enter the United States from Canada and Mexico. This alarming trend has seen US authorities apprehend more than 23,000 people near the border within the last year—more than double the figure from the previous year.
On December 20, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MoFAET) of Bhutan convened a stakeholder consultation meeting to devise strategies aimed at discouraging Bhutanese nationals living in Canada from illegally crossing the border. This meeting followed reports from the Bhutan Consulate General in New York, USA, addressing the concerning issue.
Many agents and consultancies based in Bhutan are identified as facilitators of this migration, often making lofty promises of assistance. “Agents in Bhutan who lure Bhutanese to go to Canada have to be mindful of their acts,” one source remarked, highlighting the risks posed by these exploitative practices. The source added, “Some are made to pay over USD 4,000 to 5,000 with ‘assurances’ of safe entry, but the process is far more difficult than promised.” The challenges faced by Bhutanese individuals upon arrival include unemployment, high living costs, and difficult working conditions, compelling some to pursue illegal ways to survive, thereby exposing themselves to risks.
Meanwhile, the Canadian government is undertaking measures to address border security issues, as highlighted by the recent announcement of the new Border Plan. Announced on December 17, this strategy includes a USD 1.3 billion investment and focuses on five pillars aimed at bolstering security, strengthening immigration systems, and ensuring the country’s prosperity.
Dominic LeBlanc, Canada’s Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs, said, “Canada takes pride in our border and law enforcement agencies...they expect their government to support them in their ability to do important work – and that's exactly what this Border Plan will do.” Of this investment, USD 909 million will be allocated to border security over the next six years.
Part of the plan addresses irregular migration directly, alongside efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking and organized crime. This will involve advanced technology, including artificial intelligence and imaging tools for law enforcement to intercept illegal substances before they reach Canada.
Despite these extensive measures, Canadian authorities acknowledge the limitations they face when it involves stopping southbound crossers. Initiatives have been implemented to decrease visa issuance and turn away certain visa holders. Additional amendments to immigration law are also on the table to empower authorities to cancel or vary immigration documents when deemed necessary.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) plans to implement new canine teams and chemical detection tools at high-risk ports to deter drug trafficking, reinforcing the border's integrity.
Reflecting on the cooperation between Canada and the US, Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, noted, “We continue to offer protection to the world’s most vulnerable...while maintaining a trust-based immigration system for Canadians.” These efforts come amid increasing pressure from the US to strengthen border control, especially following claims made during the Trump administration about tariffs if illegal migration was not curtailed.
Overall, Bhutanese individuals have garnered respect internationally for their hardworking nature and law-abiding behavior, and this concerning trend threatens to damage the opportunities for legitimate migration pathways. The complexity of the system, alongside the proliferation of unregulated consultancies providing dubious support, has added to the depth of the issue.
Going forward, the need for systemic change is urgent. The Bhutanese government must take action to establish oversight for consultancies operating within the country. Creating regulatory frameworks and conducting periodic audits should be priorities to protect aspiring migrants from exploitation.
Public awareness campaigns are also necessary to educate citizens about the potential risks and misleading narratives propagated by certain agencies. Transparency and accountability will be key to restoring trust and ensuring safe migration pathways for those seeking educational and career opportunities abroad.
The plight of those risking their lives at borders is not merely reflective of individual choices but highlights systemic failures. The duty falls on not just the Bhutanese government but also the broader international community to hold exploitative entities accountable whilst fostering genuine means for individuals to achieve their aspirations.
