Key Takeaways:
- 104 Indian migrants, including women and children, were deported from the US in shackles, sparking outrage.
- The Indian government is working on the Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024 to regulate migration.
- Shashi Tharoor criticized the US for its harsh treatment of deportees.
- The number of Indians illegally migrating to the US has risen despite legal options.
New Law to Protect Indian Migrants
Following the shocking deportation of over 100 Indian migrants in shackles, the Indian government is moving towards a new migration law. The Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024, proposed by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, aims to establish a safe and legal migration framework for Indians seeking overseas employment.
This move follows reports of 104 Indians being forcibly deported from the US, arriving in Amritsar aboard a US military C-17 aircraft. Among them were 33 migrants from Gujarat and Haryana, 30 from Punjab, and others from Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chandigarh. The flight also included 19 women and 13 children, the youngest being just four years old.
Rising Deportations and Harsh Treatment
The US crackdown on illegal immigration has led to increased deportations of Indian nationals. In 2023 alone, over 1,100 Indians were deported. Many migrants risk dangerous journeys through Mexico and Central America, despite legal migration pathways.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor condemned the inhumane treatment of these deportees, stating that while deportations are not new, the aggressive approach taken in this case was unacceptable. He emphasized the need for diplomacy to ensure Indian migrants are treated with dignity.
Government’s Plan for Indian Students Abroad
Amid growing concerns over the safety of Indian nationals overseas, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reassured Parliament that the government closely monitors Indian students abroad. Citing past evacuations in Ukraine, he stressed that India has contingency plans for emergencies and remains committed to ensuring their well-being.
The Need for Legal Migration Pathways
While the Indian government is pushing for better migration policies, the growing number of illegal immigrants highlights the lack of opportunities and economic hardships that drive people to risk perilous routes. The proposed Overseas Mobility Bill aims to:
- Streamline legal migration for overseas employment.
- Prevent illegal immigration through awareness campaigns.
- Enhance protection for Indian nationals abroad.
With rising deportations and global migration challenges, the Indian government is taking steps to ensure the dignity and safety of its citizens seeking a future abroad.
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