NEWS

• On 31 July 2025, the Supreme Court stated that the key question in cases concerning Rohingya in India is whether they are refugees or illegal entrants.
• The matter involves concerns about national security and foreign infiltration.

HIGHLIGHTS

Refugees in India

• NHRC (July 2024): At least 2,09,028 refugees from Sri Lanka, Tibet, Myanmar, Afghanistan reside in India.
• No legal definition of “refugee” in India; only “illegal immigrant” defined under the Citizenship Act, 1955.
• UN Refugee Convention (1951): Refugees are persons fleeing due to a well-founded fear of persecution.
• India’s status: Not a signatory; no national refugee law; treats refugees as any other foreign national.

Geneva Refugee Convention

• Adopted 1951 post–World War II, initially Europe-focused.
• 1967 Protocol: Expanded to global scope.
• 149 UN members ratified; India not included.

Illegal Immigrants in India

• Defined by Citizenship Act, 1955: Entry without valid documents or overstaying after expiry.
• CAA 2019: Exempts Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, Christian migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan (arrived before 31 Dec 2014).
• Rohingya are illegal migrants under Indian law.

Definition of a Foreigner

• Must have valid passport & visa.
• Illegal entry: Jail up to 5 years or fine ₹5 lakh.
• Overstay: Jail up to 3 years or fine ₹3 lakh.

Rohingya Crisis

• Stateless Muslim minority from Rakhine State, Myanmar.
• 2017 crackdown led to world’s largest refugee crisis.
• Myanmar considers them illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.

World Refugee Day

• Observed 20 June; marks 50 years of 1951 Refugee Convention.
• 2025 Theme: “Solidarity with Refugees” — call for meaningful action.