Telugu States Emerge as Illegal Migration Hotspots in India
While Punjab and Kerala have historically dominated India's overseas migration landscape, the Telugu states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have increasingly become focal points for illegal migration activities. According to official data presented by the Ministry of External Affairs in the Rajya Sabha, Andhra Pradesh has recorded the highest number of illegal migration complaints nationwide, with Telangana securing the fourth position.
Five-Year Dominance and Alarming Statistics
Andhra Pradesh has maintained its unenviable position at the top of India's illegal migration complaint list for five consecutive years. The scale of the problem is particularly stark when examining national data. Since 2021, India has recorded approximately 6,700 complaints related to illegal migration, with Andhra Pradesh alone accounting for 3,294 cases – representing nearly 50% of the national total.
In 2025 specifically, Andhra Pradesh registered 448 illegal migration complaints, the highest in the country, followed by Kerala and Delhi. Telangana recorded 111 complaints during the same period, placing it fourth nationally. While Andhra Pradesh police submitted 19 action-taken reports concerning these cases, Telangana authorities registered 47 such reports.
Understanding Illegal Migration Patterns
Illegal migration typically involves individuals traveling abroad through unauthorized agents, using forged documents, or entering countries on tourist or visit visas with the intention of overstaying for employment purposes. These cases frequently come to light only when migrants face detention, deportation, or identification by foreign immigration authorities.
The 'V2E' Loophole and Agent Exploitation
Migrant associations report that illegal agents collect substantial sums – often lakhs of rupees – from unemployed youth by promising lucrative employment opportunities in Gulf countries. While the United Arab Emirates remains a primary destination for illegal migration from Telugu states, agents are increasingly using online advertisements to lure candidates with attractive salary offers in countries like Cambodia and Myanmar.
"Even registered agents exploit systemic loopholes," explained Manda Bheem Reddy, Vice-Chairman of the Telangana NRI Advisory Committee. "A commonly used method is the 'V2E (Visit to Employment)' route, where candidates are sent on 30-day visit visas that are later extended informally for job placement. These operations frequently operate through sub-agents at grassroots levels, despite such networks being prohibited under the Emigration Act of 1983."
Bheem Reddy highlighted a significant concern: individuals traveling on visit visas for employment purposes are not covered under the Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana, which provides up to 10 lakh rupees in coverage for accidental death or permanent disability.
Government Response and Support Mechanisms
Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs, provided details on government actions against illegal recruiting agents. "Until December 2025, a total of 3,505 unregistered agents across the country were notified on the eMigrate portal," Singh stated in his parliamentary reply.
The government has established Kendriya Pravasi Sahayata Kendras in six cities – Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Lucknow, Patna, and Chandigarh – to provide guidance, counseling, and support to distressed migrants. These centers represent a crucial component of India's efforts to address the complex challenges surrounding illegal migration and protect vulnerable citizens seeking overseas employment opportunities.
