The Indian government is seriously considering a new law aimed at ensuring ‘safe, orderly, and regular migration for overseas employment.’ This development follows a recent incident in which the United States deported over 100 Indian migrants. These individuals were part of a larger crackdown on illegal immigration, and their deportation sparked significant debate about the treatment of deportees and the methods used.
The proposed law, tentatively titled the Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024, aims to create a framework for managing migration in a safer and more structured way. According to Shashi Tharoor, the chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, this bill will help promote legal migration and improve the welfare of overseas workers. Tharoor introduced the report in the Lok Sabha, which sparked discussions on the issue.
US Deportations and Stricter Immigration Policies
The deportations have drawn attention to the rising issue of illegal immigration to the United States, especially among Indian nationals. While the US provides legal pathways for migration, many individuals still choose dangerous routes, including through Mexico and Central America, in search of better opportunities.
A senior US embassy official stated, “I can’t go into further detail on the flight. I can share that enforcing our nation’s immigration laws is critically important to the national security and public safety of the United States.”
This reflects the US government’s increasing focus on immigration control, particularly in cracking down on ‘inadmissible and removable aliens.’
In response to this situation, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed Parliament, highlighting that the government was in talks with the US to ensure the humane treatment of deported Indian nationals. He clarified that deportations are routine and that the Indian government monitors the process to avoid mistreatment. Jaishankar stated, “The government carefully monitors the number of students in all foreign countries and carefully monitors their welfare in situations of tension. We alert students, as we have done in Ukraine. Whenever there is a situation when we need to run flights, we are prepared. We have contingency plans.”
Handling the Deportations: Jaishankar’s clarification
The minister explained in Parliament that deportation is not a new process, and the standard procedure includes using restraints for security purposes. He clarified, “The standard operating procedure for deportation by aircraft provides for the use of restraints. However, we have been informed that women and children are not restrained.”
He further ensured that deportees’ needs, including food, medical care, and restroom breaks, are attended to during transit.
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Jaishankar also reassured that there had been no change in procedures from previous deportation flights, stating, “There has been no change from past procedures for the flight undertaken by the US on Feb 5, 2025.” His remarks highlighted the need for transparency and proper care during the deportation process.
The Dangerous Route: The Darien Gap
FinancialExpress.com has previously reported for many migrants attempting to enter the US, illegal paths like the Darien Gap have become increasingly common. The Darien Gap is a treacherous 66-mile stretch of jungle between Panama and Colombia, where migrants face not only physical dangers like wild animals and harsh weather but also threats from criminal gangs.
The number of migrants using this route has surged in recent years. In 2022, over 248,000 people made the dangerous journey, with migrants coming from countries like Venezuela, Haiti, Ecuador, and India. As Cristhian Salamanca Garcia, a trade expert, based in Colombia explained, “In 2023, over 2,900 Indian nationals attempted this dangerous journey, more than 50 percent of the total for the previous year.”
Sandeep Wasnik, a Latin America business and investment adviser, described the hardships faced by migrants traversing the Darien Gap: “It can get extremely humid and hot in the tropical rainforest. Rain is also probable, which could make it even harder to navigate the terrain. There is a risk of violence and robbery from criminal gangs in the Darien Gap because it is a well-known route for smuggling. However, thousands of migrants choose to travel this route in search of a better life.”
Despite the risks, migrants continue to use the Darien Gap in search of better opportunities, driven by economic hardship and the hope of reaching the US.
Growing Indian Migration to the US
India has seen a significant rise in the number of its nationals attempting to enter the US illegally. Between 2019 and 2023, over 149,000 Indian nationals were detained while trying to cross into the US illegally. Many of these migrants are seeking better employment opportunities as India faces high unemployment rates. However, this has led to increasing challenges for both the US and Indian governments in managing migration.