India calls for faster migration verification

India on Friday said it expects Bangladesh to expedite the nationality verification process of suspected illegal immigrants to enable their deportation in a “smooth and efficient manner”.

Speaking at the weekly media briefing in New Delhi, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said a bilateral mechanism is already in place to manage deportation procedures between the two countries.

“As far as deportation of these people is concerned, there is a bilateral mechanism in place.

We refer these cases to the Bangladesh side for them to verify the nationality of these people.

And once it is verified, then we take forward the deportation process,” he said.

Jaiswal added that India has legal provisions to deal with all foreign nationals, including Bangladeshis, who are found to be residing in the country illegally.

“For all nationals in India, including from Bangladesh, if they are here illegally, we have laws to deal with them. And they will be dealt with accordingly,” he said.

He further stated that India had submitted multiple requests to Bangladesh for verification, many of which were still pending.

“We hope and expect that they will be expedited as soon as possible so that the deportation of people who are illegally staying in India can be taken forward in a smooth and efficient manner,” he said.

His remarks came in response to questions regarding Bangladesh’s allegations that Indian authorities had been pushing individuals across the border into Bangladesh.

In response, Jaiswal reiterated that India operates under established legal frameworks for dealing with foreign nationals residing unlawfully in the country.

When asked whether the reported “push-in” incidents could affect bilateral relations, the spokesperson said India remained committed to strengthening ties with Bangladesh and advancing cooperation between the two neighbours.

Responding to another question regarding a remark by former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over India’s alleged involvement in the killing of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, Jaiswal said he had not yet seen the statement.

“I have not seen the remark. Once I see that, I will get back to you,” he said.