Assam: 85,024 declared foreigners in the state remain at large

Staff Reporter

Guwahati: The identification and deportation of illegal Bangladeshis has remained a nagging problem, with lots of time and money spent, and the results are questionable. According to data from the Home Department, as many as 85,024 declared foreigners are absconding in the state.

The Home Department data tabled in the House states that, as of January 31, 2025, border police have referred 4.36 lakh cases to the Foreigners' Tribunals. Of this, 3.48 lakh cases have been disposed of, and 1.65 lakh have been declared foreigners. 30,115 of the declared foreigners have been deported, and 59 are lodged in transit camps.

The question now arises as to where the more than 85,000 declared foreigners are at present. Also, as to why the police have been unable to locate them. The absence of a clear mechanism to track the declared foreigners leads to them remaining at large. Moreover, deportation of declared foreigners is a lengthy process, and it can be done only on receipt of a transit pass from the high commission of the country concerned. Also, the deportation process can only be initiated through the External Affairs Ministry.

On the other hand, 800 declared foreigners detained in detention camps were released on bail as per instructions from the Supreme Court. The apex court states that no person can be detained in such camps for more than three years. So, with the elapse of the requisite time, the 800 declared foreigners were released on conditional bail. The primary condition is that each person has to report at the nearest police station once every week.

Also Read: Declared Foreigners’ Addresses can’t be a Bar for Deportation: Supreme Court

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