Guwahati: Assam has deported more than 2,000 declared foreign nationals over the past ten years, with Bangladesh emerging as the primary destination, according to state-level data. The figures highlight the state’s sustained efforts to address illegal immigration and strengthen border management along India’s eastern frontier.

The deportations have been carried out under the legal framework of the Foreigners Act, 1946, after individuals were declared foreigners through due legal process.

Deportations Follow Legal Procedures

Officials said deportations are typically undertaken only after:

  • Individuals are declared foreigners by Foreigners Tribunals.
  • Appeals before higher courts are exhausted, where applicable.
  • The persons are held in designated detention centres pending repatriation.
  • Coordination is completed with the receiving country through diplomatic channels.

Authorities maintain that every deportation follows established legal and administrative procedures.

Bangladesh Primary Destination

According to the data, Bangladesh accounted for the majority of deportations from Assam during the decade, reflecting the state’s long and porous international border with the neighbouring country.

Illegal migration has remained a politically and administratively significant issue in Assam for decades, influencing policy decisions on border security, citizenship verification and documentation.

Border Management Remains a Challenge

Officials say the figures underline the continuing challenges of:

  • Illegal cross-border migration.
  • Verification of citizenship documents.
  • Identification of foreign nationals.
  • Border surveillance and security.
  • Repatriation through diplomatic coordination.

The issue continues to feature prominently in Assam’s governance and national security discussions.

Rights Groups Raise Concerns

Human rights organisations have repeatedly expressed concerns over:

  • Conditions in detention centres.
  • Lengthy detention periods.
  • Access to legal representation.
  • Due process during citizenship determination.

They have called for greater safeguards to ensure that genuine Indian citizens are not wrongly declared foreigners.

Government Stresses National Security

The government, however, maintains that identifying and deporting illegal foreign nationals is essential for:

  • National security.
  • Border management.
  • Enforcement of immigration laws.
  • Protection of demographic and administrative integrity.

Authorities have reiterated that deportations are carried out only after completion of the legal process and in accordance with Indian law.

The latest data reflects Assam’s continued focus on addressing illegal immigration while balancing legal procedures, border security and humanitarian considerations.