India Refugee Concerns From Sri Lanka

Indian Coast Guard on 22^nd March detained, 16 refugees –  (termed economic refugees) migrating from Sri Lanka to Tamil Nadu shores.

The migration is in the light of Sri Lanka's deteriorating economic condition. The State is facing a serious shortage of necessary items like food, and fuel. Sri Lanka is importing many of its essential items from its neighbouring countries.

In India are around 62, 000 Sri Lankan refugees living in 107 camps, with an additional 37,000 living outside. Intelligence inputs further estimate that around 20,000 such economic refugees are planning to seek migration. The security forces in the wake, have increased vigil at the coasts.

Amidst, these developments, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week. Talking to the media after the meeting, the chief minister made public that, He spoke to the PM regarding refugees coming from Sri Lanka, with an emphasis on developing a mechanism, to accord them refugee status and rehabilitate them. Tamil Nadu's local Dravidian political parties too have sympathized with the Chief Minister on the issue.

Stalin led Tamil Nadu State Government in August last year, had announced measures in support of Sri Lankan refugees living in camps. Tamil Nadu has announced a welfare package of Rs. 317 Crore Indian Rupees, which includes building houses for the refugees. Stalin also proposed to set up a committee to look after, the refugee’s welfare and accord them Indian citizenship.

Meanwhile, the future of refugees already living in Indian camps hangs in limbo as the refugees are yet to be accorded the status of Indian citizens. They do not belong anywhere currently. Studies conducted prior to the economic distress in Sri Lanka suggested that many refugees, particularly the youth wanted to continue staying here and staying in India. However few were also keen on returning to Sri Lanka if arrangements were made.

In this context, it is important to highlight that India is not a signatory of the UN Refugee Convention, 1951. UN Convention 1951 is a United Nations multilateral treaty that defines who is a refugee and sets out the rights of individuals who are granted asylum and the responsibilities of nations that grant asylum. India accepts refugees from Sri Lanka under a special agreement with the state.

Moreover, It is being argued that India is already providing aid to Sri Lanka and providing rehabilitation to a selected group of people would have a negative impact on India Sri Lanka relations. Moreover, the topic of refugees falls under the ‘Central List’ meaning the central government has the sole power to decide on the subject. India is yet to come up with its refugee policy.