Parliamentary Panel Urges Empathetic Response to Deportations of Indian Immigrants from the US

A parliamentary panel has noted the deportations of illegal Indian immigrants from the US and called for a compassionate government response. The Ministry of External Affairs acknowledged the recommendations made in the report presented by the Committee on External Affairs.

A parliamentary panel has highlighted the deportation of illegal Indian immigrants from the US and potential future mass deportations. The panel urged the government to handle these situations with more empathy. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) acknowledged this recommendation. The report, titled "Action Taken by the Government on the Observations/Recommendations," was presented in Parliament.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, led by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, expressed concerns about the humanitarian aspects of deportations. They emphasised that while it is a government's duty to repatriate citizens living abroad illegally, this should be done with respect for their human rights. The MEA has an SOP for nationality and security verification in coordination with other agencies.

Illegal Immigration and Deportation Policies

India opposes illegal immigration and is committed to repatriating its nationals living illegally abroad. Most countries have SOPs for handling deportations, and India follows suit. The US uses Restraints Policy No. 11155.1, Section 5.10, effective since November 19, 2012, for detainees during flights. However, following MEA's requests, women and children were not shackled on a February 15 deportation flight.

The Centre informed the panel that foreign nationals in the US illegally or without valid documentation are likely to be deported. Countries must repatriate their nationals found living illegally abroad after verifying their nationality. This principle is widely accepted in international relations.

Reintegration and Support for Returnees

The panel recommended detailed reintegration programmes for returning migrants, involving states with experience in such efforts. The government noted that reintegration responsibility lies with state governments where emigrants originate, not the central government.

The committee also noted dubious firms luring Indians to South-East Asia with fake job offers, leading them into bonded labour for cybercrime activities. Despite unknown exact numbers, 1,091 Indians from Cambodia, 770 from Laos, and 497 from Myanmar have been rescued through concerted efforts.

Challenges Faced by Indian Nationals Abroad

Indian job seekers face vulnerabilities due to unscrupulous agents and middlemen. The committee desires embassies or consulates to assist in verifying employers through email or phone calls. The Centre stated that many Indians reach scam centres voluntarily via fraudulent agents or illegal channels.

Regarding PIO card conversion to OCI cards, the panel noted that PIO cards have been discontinued since 2015. All PIO cardholders must convert their cards to OCI before December 31, 2025.

The report underscores the need for empathetic handling of deportations and robust reintegration programmes for returning migrants. It also highlights challenges faced by Indian nationals abroad due to fraudulent recruitment practices.

With inputs from PTI