(a) the estimated number of refugees taking shelter in the country;
(b) the details of the countries that they hail from based on the population and as a percentage of the whole;
(c) the facilities being provided by the Government to any of the above refugees like shelter camps, meals, education and citizenship applications; and
(d) whether the Government has taken any steps to provide citizenship to any of the above refugees and if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI NITYANAND RAI)
(a) and (b) India is not a signatory to the 1951 UN Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1967 Protocol thereon. All foreign nationals (including those claiming to be refugees) are governed by the provisions contained in The Foreigners Act, 1946, The Registration of Foreigners Act,
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L.S.US.Q.NO. 5327 FOR 05.04.2022
1939, The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 and The Citizenship Act, 1955. Foreign nationals who enter into the country without valid travel documents are treated as illegal immigrants. Since refuge seekers enter into India in a clandestine and surreptitious manner without valid travel documents accurate data regarding number of such foreign nationals staying in India is not centrally maintained.
(c) and (d) Relief assistance usually include monthly cash dole, subsidized ration, free clothing materials, utensils, cremation and shradh grants and infrastructure facilities in camps. The Citizenship of India is granted to the eligible foreigners under the provisions of the Citizenship Act, 1955.
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