History and Mode of Migration

Sikh migration to Southeast and East Asia started in second half of 19th century. Post annexation of Punjab by the British, they decided to deploy the Sikhs as soldiers and policemen in their expanding empire and for extending their commercial interests. When the Sikhs back home heard of the attractive opportunities from earlier migrants, they were quick to travel and establish roots in these lands. Migration continued till decolonisation arising from freedom movements in various countries. The first country to gain independence was Indonesia in 1945 followed by India in 1947, Burma and Sri Lanka in 1948, Malaya in 1957, Singapore in 1964, and Brunei in 1984. With the achievement of independence immigration was discouraged except for special categories. In fact, in some cases there was an exodus as from China where the entire Sikh population that existed had to leave in 1949 post-Communist takeover of the country. In Burma the Sikh presence was significant till early 1940s but has now dwindled as they left the country in three phases beginning with the Japanese occupation during WW II. Migration to South America was primarily in early 20th century. The preferred migration destination was North America but those who could not make it there either sailed direct say to Buenos Aires or even walked long distances from other countries' ports to reach their target destination. Argentina was the preferred country - as also Panama where there were job opportunities arising from the Canal construction (1904-14). Migration to Bolivia in 1980s of Sikh farmers was a pioneering endeavour. Gurdwaras were set up rather late in this continent. A peculiar feature was that there was a lot of movement of the Sikhs from country to country till they settled down in the place of their final choice. On the European front, Sikhs started to migrate beginning 1960s and in somewhat larger numbers in 1970s. During the 1980s Sikh migration got intensified because of problems in Punjab due to political turmoil. Sikhs had started migrating to UK in significant numbers post WW II and Indian Independence, as there were labour shortages for industrial reconstruction. Subsequently from 1962, UK started to tighten immigration laws through the introduction of 'Work Permit". As a result, the Sikhs were forced to explore possibilities of migrating to other countries including continental Europe. As it happened these countries were also short of labour and were sympathetic towards asylum seekers on humanitarian grounds based on alleged political and religious persecution. To be eligible to get residence status, one had first to reach the country where asylum was to be sought. While some could enter Europe on tourist visa others had to find alternative routes to reach their destination. Arising from this demand, illegal migration intensified and almost became an industry. Country selection in general was rather random. First priority or initial stop was in a place where there was some contact or lead and where there was better chance of getting residence or work permit. Over the last two decades, Southern European countries have been more liberal in regularising illegal migration with amnesty every few years. Portugal still allows immigrants coming on Schengen visa to overstay and subsequently get residency status based on certain requirements. There is some movement of immigrants within Europe till they get settled in a country where they can get their stay regularised and feel more secure financially and politically. Present economic crisis is creating problems in getting jobs. During author's recent visit to Europe he found several unemployed youths hanging around the Gurdwaras. The expulsion of Indians from East Africa in 1970s and the turmoil in Afghanistan since 1990s had additionally forced Sikhs from these countries to seek migration to Europe. So far as illegal migration is concerned, it is spread globally but is more targeted at Europe and North America. The problem of illegals is comparatively less pronounced in South America. However, in Europe Illegal migration is a major issue and despite the hardships of 'donkeying' their way to Europe - this modus operandi continues to be popular. The author heard first-hand the horrific ordeals faced by most of them. In some cases, it took the migrants more than a year before reaching their destination. Present economic crisis and the consequent unemployment are deterring migration to some extent, but the optimism of these desperados has to be seen to be believed. There is some inter country movement mainly of new immigrants as chances of getting a residence permit is better in Spain, Portugal, and Italy but wages are higher in Central and Northern European countries. So, they get immigration status regularised in the South but seek jobs elsewhere.