Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina is in India after fleeing violent protests in Bangladesh. She intended to seek asylum in the UK, but due to visa issues, India is allowing her to stay despite the lack of an official refugee policy.
Overview of Migration Terms
Asylum Seeker: Seeking international protection before being granted refugee status.
Internally Displaced Person (IDP): Forced to flee within national borders due to conflict or disasters.
Migrant: A broad term for someone moving temporarily or permanently, domestically or internationally.
Refugee: Per the 1951 UN Convention, someone who fled their country due to persecution or severe threats to life.
Refugee Crisis in India
Afghan Refugees: Post-Taliban resurgence, many Sikhs and Hindus fled to India.
Rohingya Crisis: Rohingya Muslims fled Myanmar’s ethnic violence; India debates their status.
Tibetan Refugees: Since 1959, Tibetans have resided in Indian settlements.
Sri Lankan Tamil Refugees: Reside in Tamil Nadu, encouraged to return home post-2009 civil war.
India’s Refugee Policy
No Official Refugee Law: India has about 300,000 refugees but isn’t a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention. This flexibility allows India to decide on refugee status on a case-by-case basis.
Legal Framework: Refugees are managed under acts like The Foreigners Act, 1946, and The Citizenship Act, 1955.
Undocumented Nationals: Treated as illegal immigrants without valid travel documents, as per the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Reasons for India’s Policy
Resource Strain: Refugees put pressure on food, water, housing, and healthcare in already burdened areas.
Social Cohesion: Large influxes can create tensions within host communities.
Security Concerns: Risk of extremist infiltration and challenges in monitoring borders.
Diplomatic Relations: Hosting refugees can affect relations with neighboring countries.
Economic Impact: Refugees compete for low-skilled jobs but may also contribute to the economy.
Way Forward
Comprehensive Management: India should develop a cohesive refugee management approach, balancing protection with regional stability.
Refugee Status Determination: Establish clear procedures for legal protections.
Access to Rights: Ensure refugees can access education, healthcare, and employment.
Regional Collaboration: Work with neighboring countries to manage refugee flows.
Bilateral Agreements: Strengthen ties to facilitate safe return or resettlement.
Empowerment Initiatives: Support vocational training and language education for refugees.
Conflict Resolution: Address displacement’s root causes through diplomatic efforts and peacebuilding initiatives.
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