Indian's Deportation: India's reaction to the deportation of its citizens from the United States has sparked a significant political debate. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the issue in the Rajya Sabha, defending the process while highlighting ongoing efforts to ensure the fair treatment of deportees. This comes as the Indian government seeks to tighten regulations on international migration through a new proposed bill.

Speaking in Rajya Sabha on the deportation of Indian citizens from the US, EAM Dr S. Jaishankar said, "It is in our collective interest to encourage legal mobility and discourage illegal movement... It is the obligation of all countries to take back their nationals if they are found to be living illegally abroad... The process of deportation is not a new one."

EAM Dr S Jaishankar added, "We are engaging with the US government to ensure that the deportees are not mistreated in any manner. At the same time, the House will appreciate that our focus should be on the strong crackdown against the illegal immigration industry. Based on the information provided by the deportees, law enforcement agencies will take necessary, preventive, and exemplary action against the agents and such agencies."

Answering a question raised in Rajya Sabha by Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala regarding Indian citizens deported from the US, EAM Dr S Jaishankar said, "We know that 104 people returned yesterday. We were the ones who verified their nationality... Let us not present this as a new issue. This has been happening for some time."

The minister also reassured that the Indian government is actively engaging with US authorities to ensure that deportees are treated humanely.

During his speech, EAM Dr S Jaishankar also explained that the deportation of illegal immigrants by the US is not a recent development. He pointed out that this process has been happening for years, urging everyone to understand that this is not a new issue. He further explained that it is a country’s duty to take back its nationals if they are found living illegally abroad.

Furthermore, while addressing the technical aspects, Dr. Jaishankar explained that the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) handles the deportations. According to the standard procedure in place since 2012, certain restraints are applied during deportations, although ICE has assured that women and children are not restrained during the process.

EAM Dr Jaishankar stated, "It is the obligation of all countries to take back their nationals if they are found to be living illegally abroad..."

The controversy erupted after videos surfaced, showing deported Indian citizens shackled and handcuffed during their journey back to India, with some even reporting being restrained during their flight. The video was posted by US Border Patrol, with chief Michael Banks posting them on X, showed Indian citizens scheduled for deportation handcuffed and shackled together before being led onto a C-17 military transport plane. They were then strapped into their seats and flown to Amritsar. This footage raised concerns among opposition lawmakers about possible human rights violations.

In response to the ongoing tension, the Indian government is actively considering a new law to streamline and regulate migration for overseas employment, ensuring a safer and more structured process.

Amid the first batch of deportations of illegal Indian immigrants from the US under the Trump 2.0 administration, the Centre is exploring the introduction of the Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024. This proposed legislation aims to establish a well-defined framework for legal and orderly migration.

A recent report tabled in the Lok Sabha by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, highlighted the progress of the bill.

Also Read: What Is Overseas Mobility Bill 2024? India Mulls New Law For Migrants' Safety As Deportation From US Sparks Row

Set to replace the Emigration Act of 1983, the Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024 is designed to enhance protections for Indian workers abroad while strengthening formal migration pathways.

Key Features of the Proposed Bill:

- Establishes a structured system for facilitating overseas employment.

-Ensures migration is transparent, legal, and free from exploitation.

- The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is consulting multiple government ministries before finalising the draft.

- The public will have 15–30 days to provide feedback before the bill is finalised.

- The bill will undergo inter-ministerial consultations before being presented to the Cabinet.

- The Protector of Emigrants (PoE) will work closely with Indian embassies and consulates to oversee worker welfare.

 

 


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