India

Will bring back illegals if nationality documents are shared: MEA

January 24, 2025

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said that India is against illegal immigration, especially because it is connected to organised crime and will bring them back, provided necessary documents to verify their nationality are shared with us.

“For Indian nationals, whether in the US or elsewhere, if they are overstaying or residing in a country without proper documentation, we will bring them back, provided the necessary documents to verify their nationality are shared with us,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

When asked about the number of people being taken back from the US, Jaiswal said, “Any discussion about numbers is premature.”

He was also asked about the ongoing discussions regarding the return of illegal immigrants from the US and the plans to send them back, and whether this would impact India’s commerce and industrial ties.

“Illegal migration and trade are two separate issues. Our approach, policy, and stance on illegal migration are very clear. We are against illegal migration, and the reason for this is that it is linked to organised crime,” he said.