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Sharp rise in Indian asylum seekers abroad raises concerns
Increasing numbers of Indian asylum seekers are prompting government efforts to address socio-economic challenges and raise awareness of domestic legal solutions.
Representational Image. / FMT
A significant increase in the number of Indians seeking asylum in foreign countries, particularly in the United States, has drawn attention in the Rajya Sabha. In a written reply to an unstarred question on November 28, 2024, Minister of State for External Affairs Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh addressed concerns over asylum trends, highlighting both the challenges of data access and the government’s stance on the issue.
According to reports cited in the parliamentary question, there has been an 800% increase in asylum applications from Indians to the United States between 2021 and 2023, with nearly half of the applicants reportedly originating from Gujarat. While these figures underline a dramatic rise, the Indian government clarified that comprehensive data on asylum applications and approvals is unavailable due to privacy laws and data protection policies in host countries.
Government Highlights Democratic Avenues in India
The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated its position that seeking asylum abroad often involves presenting a negative portrayal of the country to foreign governments. The government emphasized that India’s democratic framework provides sufficient legal avenues for citizens to address grievances without seeking refuge overseas.
While India recognizes the personal circumstances leading some individuals to seek asylum, the government views this trend as misaligned with the principles of its democratic system, which guarantees rights and recourse under the law.
Steps to Address the Asylum Trend
The Indian government has pledged to address the root causes that compel citizens to seek refuge abroad. These efforts include:
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Improving Socio-Economic Conditions: Strengthening job opportunities, especially in regions witnessing higher emigration, such as Gujarat, to deter individuals from seeking alternatives abroad.
- Raising Awareness: Educating citizens on the legal and social repercussions of seeking asylum and promoting India’s mechanisms for resolving personal or systemic issues domestically.
- Diplomatic Engagement: Working with foreign governments to better understand the reasons behind the spike in asylum applications and finding collaborative solutions to mitigate the issue.
This increase in asylum applications has also sparked a broader discussion about migration patterns, including the challenges of irregular migration and the role of misinformation in influencing individuals to pursue asylum despite having lawful alternatives.
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