Concerns Raised Over Treatment of Deportees: MEA Stresses Dignity

Synopsis

India raises concerns about the treatment of deported individuals from the US, emphasizing dignity and fairness. The government engages in ongoing discussions with US officials, addressing mistreatment and highlighting the need for action against illegal migration networks.

Key Takeaways

India stresses fair treatment for deportees.
Concerns raised about mistreatment of illegal migrants.
Ongoing discussions with US officials on the issue.
Emphasis on combating human trafficking networks.
Deportation process has historical context and procedures.

New Delhi, Feb 7 (NationPress) Highlighting the need for fair treatment and dignity for all individuals, including those facing deportation, India on Friday expressed its concerns regarding the mistreatment of illegal migrants returned from the United States earlier this week.

Following a thorough statement from External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar in Parliament, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that New Delhi has communicated its apprehensions to Washington concerning the conditions under which these individuals were repatriated.

"This is a significant issue to address, and I assure you that we are in ongoing discussions with US officials regarding these situations. We have consistently maintained that individuals should be treated fairly and with dignity, especially those facing deportation. Whenever we learn of mistreatment, we take action, and we will persist in doing so," Misri informed reporters during a media briefing ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming trip to France and the United States.

The Foreign Secretary emphasized that EAM Jaishankar had already highlighted the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) adhered to in such instances for many years, clarifying that there have been no alterations to the past protocols concerning the approval and clearance of deportation flights.

While assuring that the government will address any reports of mistreatment, he underscored the necessity for systemic action against the underlying networks that perpetuate illegal immigration.

"A crucial point raised by the External Affairs Minister was the identification of the core issue—the illegal migration ecosystem. He pointed out how human trafficking networks exploit vulnerable individuals, extorting substantial sums, and facilitating their illegal migration, only for them to face deportation subsequently. There is an urgent requirement to combat such criminal organizations, and the government will implement necessary measures to tackle this problem," Misri stated.

He noted that the ministry possesses some insights regarding the number of illegal Indian immigrants in the United States and is verifying the available data as needed.

"It's essential to recognize that the deportation process is not a new phenomenon. As the External Affairs Minister highlighted in Parliament yesterday, this has been an ongoing procedure. While he mentioned figures from 2009, he could also have referred to earlier data, which is also accessible. In fact, there are various categories of individuals returning from the United States. Some are deported, while others are removed, with distinctions based on the judicial or legal frameworks applied to each case," Misri explained to reporters.