In the past few weeks many Sri Lankans have fled the troubled country and fled to Tamil Nadu (Representational image, Reuters)
Sri Lankans are fleeing the country and desperately trying to immigrate to India, they are deprived of resources and hope
- Last Update:13 April 2022, 09:59 AM IST
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Several Sri Lankans have fled the crisis-hit country and fled to Tamil Nadu in the past few weeks, causing an uproar in the south Indian state. Sri Lanka is going through an unprecedented economic crisis. Rising international debt, declining tourism following the coronavirus outbreak, a depreciation in the value of the Sri Lankan currency, an unfavorable decision to switch to organic farming, and a currency crunch that makes it difficult to even buy essentials – all have created this inflection. The island country contributed in reaching the point. For example, the price of rice (Sri Lankan) is up to Rs 500 per kg, and a kg of sugar is selling for around Rs 290. The skyrocketing inflation has taken people out on the streets in despair.
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In one such incident last month, some Sri Lankans were trying to enter Tamil Nadu illegally and were stranded in the middle of the sea. They were located by a hovercraft near Rameswaram. After questioning, he was handed over to the Coastal Security Group for further legal formalities. Sri Lankans are fleeing the country and desperately trying to immigrate to India, they are deprived of resources and hope. Some paid sailors up to Rs 50,000 and traveled in a plastic boat, only to be dropped near Rameswaram.
During interrogation, one of the refugee families said that the people of their village could not buy milk, which was selling at Rs 1500 per tin (Sri Lankan). The prices of essential commodities and fuel are skyrocketing, forcing people to take drastic measures. Some of these refugees have been booked under relevant provisions of the Foreigners Act and the Passport Act. Currently, in judicial custody, these refugees have no source of income back home due to job loss. Historically, such desperately needed migrants have been victims of extortion and manipulation by illegal immigration rackets and land in deadly or near-lethal situations.
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Most Sri Lankan refugees would have been stranded if not found by the Coast Guard and taken to the camps. Refugee camps in Tamil Nadu, especially with Sri Lankan refugees, are now open prisons, with many families struggling for space.
And the refugees who manage to find a source of employment as daily wage laborers are under the constant watch of the state intelligence unit. In human terms, they are migrants looking for a means of survival. Unfortunately, they are often perceived as terrorist or radical subjects who pose a threat to the country.
Naresh M. Gehi is the Founder and Managing Partner of Gehis Immigration and International Legal Services. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not represent the stand of this publication.
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