New Delhi, The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has revealed that American authorities encountered over 200,000 illegal Indian immigrants in the last five years, with the highest cases reported in 2022-23 at 96,917.
Union Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan provided data indicating that encounters with illegal Indian immigrants by US authorities were 8,027 in 2018-19, 1,227 in 2019-20, and 30,662 in 2020-21. The numbers increased to 63,927 in 2021-22 and peaked at 96,917 in 2022-23.
Muraleedharan stated that this information is based on immigration statistics from the US Customs and Border Protection website, following the US fiscal year (October to September) timeline.
While emphasizing the government’s priority on the safety and well-being of Indian nationals abroad, Muraleedharan mentioned initiatives such as the Pravasi Bhartiya Bima Yojna (PBBY) and Pre-Departure Orientation and Training (PDOT) to ensure safe migration and decent conditions for migrant workers. He also highlighted the ‘Surakshit Jayen Prashikshit Jayen’ campaign launched in 2018.
India has signed migration and mobility partnership agreements with several countries, including France, the UK, Germany, Australia, Austria, and Italy. Additionally, labor mobility partnership agreements or memoranda of understanding have been signed with Denmark, Japan, Portugal, Mauritius, and Israel.
The MEA is working closely with state governments and stakeholders to disseminate information on the benefits of safe and legal migration, as well as overseas employment opportunities. Complaints related to illegal migration and human trafficking are referred to state police for investigation and prosecution.
Muraleedharan assured that the government is committed to promoting legal migration and ensuring the well-being of Indian nationals abroad.
By PTI
