Migration Matters #33
Unpacking Global Migration: Rohingya in India, Nuh Exodus, J&K Reservations, Netherlands & UK Policies, Labor & Trafficking Reports, LGBTIQ+ Concerns, and Athlete Refugees
Dear Reader,
We bring you the most exciting and insightful trends from the world of migration - the stories that matter, the events that made headlines and interesting resources you can check out. Don’t forget to check out our Good Finds section for some interesting reccos!
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Must Read
Reservation for J&K Migrants
The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on July 26th. It proposes adding three reserved seats in the J&K assembly for nominated members from displaced communities. Specifically, there are two seats for the "Kashmiri migrant community," one of which is designated for a female nominee. Additionally, there is one seat allocated for "displaced persons from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir." The nomination process for these members will be overseen by the Lieutenant Governor of J&K.
The bill's primary goal is to expand the assembly seats from 107 to 114, aligning with the recommendations of the J&K Delimitation Commission. While this move has generated varied responses from the affected communities, some have expressed discontent regarding the allocated number of seats.
IOM’s Report on SOGIESC Migrations
The latest report from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) brings into focus a crucial aspect of migration: the experiences of migrants with diverse sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC).
The findings underscore the necessity for protection programs that go beyond a one-size-fits-all approach, in favour of nuanced and locally tailored initiatives, recognizing the complexity and diversity within the SOGIESC community. Many migrants in the study shared that their migration was strongly linked to their SOGIESC identity. Moreover, the report reveals that the journey back home and reintegration experiences for LGBTIQ+ migrants are deeply influenced by societal norms and expectations related to diverse SOGIESC.
Notably, transgender migrants emerged as especially vulnerable, demanding focused protection and continuous monitoring. The study also exposes a significant gap – the lack of intersex data, prompting a call for further research to shape inclusive policies and programs across the SOGIESC spectrum.
ADBI, OECD and ILO’s Report on Labour Migration in Asia
A joint report by the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), OECD and the ILO, illuminates recent labour migration trends in major Asian economies. Insights encompass regional shifts, evolving labour demand in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, and digitalization's role in refining recruitment and emigration for Indian and Sri Lankan migrant workers. The report underscores COVID-19's impact on Asian labour mobility. Two key insights from the report include:
Deployments from major Asian origin countries increased by 114% in 2022, nearing 2019 levels, with Nepal displaying a remarkable fourfold surge from 2021, signalling a substantial revival.
The proportion of skilled Nepalese women among migrants spiked, especially between 2017-18 and 2021-22, highlighting an encouraging upward trend.
India
Recent Rohingya Apprehensions: Indian police arrested 74 Rohingya migrants across six districts in Uttar Pradesh for illegally crossing the border. The crackdown is part of a statewide campaign against the community, which has sought refuge in India after facing violence in Myanmar. In addition, the Railway Protection Force also apprehended 92 Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals for illegally entering India. The situation has raised concerns over their protection and rights as India is not a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention. If you'd like to learn more about Rohingya refugees in India, here's an incisive read for you.
Collection of Biometrics in Mizoram and Manipur: In response to an order from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, the governments of Mizoram and Manipur have initiated the collection of biometric details of "illegal migrants" from Myanmar. The MHA directed both states to complete the campaign by September 30, 2023. Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga has opposed the deportation of Myanmar refugees and instead suggested granting them political asylum, citing historical precedents during the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war. The state is seeking funds from the central government to support the 35,000 refugees currently residing in the state. Meanwhile, Manipur's biometric data collection campaign began on July 29 at the Foreigner's Detention Camp where 105 Myanmar nationals are lodged. The state is citing issues of illegal migration and cross-border crimes as reasons and aims to prevent Myanmar nationals from acquiring Indian citizenship.
Exodus of Migrants from Nuh amidst Communal Clashes: The Nuh district in Haryana is experiencing an exodus of migrant workers due to communal violence and tensions that erupted in the region. The district’s population comprises 79% of Muslims, and has been quoted, several times over the years, to be one of the poorest districts in the country, with the NITI Aayog characterising 40% of its population as multidimensionally poor. Migrant families, especially from the minority community and those living in slum areas in Gurugram and Nuh, faced threats to leave the area, leading many to fear for their safety and return to their hometowns in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Additionally, in what authorities are claiming to be an unrelated incident, 250 shanties have been bulldozed, allegedly occupied by ‘illegal Bangladeshi immigrants’ in Nuh.
Global
UK Illegal Migration Bill (IMB) 2023: The UK government has successfully passed the Illegal Migration Bill, 2023 after the promises of PM Rishi Sunak to “stop the boats” in the English Channel. In 2022, 45,755 people arrived in the UK by small boat according to government figures. Small boat arrivals amount to 3.8% of overall immigration to the UK, i.e., 1.2 million in 2022. This new bill denies the 1951 refugee convention of non- refoulement (no one should be returned to a country where their life is at threat). The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, strongly condemned the proposed bill to repatriate to origin or relocate asylum seekers arriving in the U.K. by boat to a safe third nation. The result of the bill would end up in a domino effect and push several other anti-migrant policies. The Refugee Council’s impact assessment of the Bill estimates that it will result in as many as 250,000 people (including 45,000 children) being detained or left destitute in state-provided accommodation, in the first three years of this Bill’s operation.
Tragedies of sinking boats in Tunisia: 900 people have died or gone missing off the coast of Tunisia in North Africa in the first half of 2023, a significant increase from any previous year. North Africa is dealing with a record-breaking outflow of migration this year as well as recurrent tragedies involving the drowning of boats carrying migrants from sub-Saharan Africa to the coastlines of Italy. People escaping poverty and violence in Africa and the Middle East in search of a better life in Europe mostly travel via Tunisia (Sfax). In response to a high rise in boats leaving Tunisia for Europe, the European Union and Tunisia signed a "strategic partnership" agreement in July that involves combatting people trafficking and securing maritime borders.
Conflicts over migration policies toppled the Dutch Government: Mark Rutte is one of the longest serving PMs in Dutch history. On 7th July, the failure of the coalition parties to agree on immigration policy led to the collapse of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte's administration. In the Netherlands, asylum applications increased by more than a third from the previous year and government officials predicted 70,000 applications in 2023. Mr. Rutte attempted to push through a measure that would have limited the number of relatives of refugees from conflict who could enter the Netherlands to only 200 each month. However, the Christian Union, a party that supports families, and the socially liberal D66 were strongly opposed. The parties were unable to come to an agreement on how to approach the problem.
IOM’s Child Trafficking Report: The IOM and the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard University (FXB) jointly released a report titled "From Evidence to Action: Twenty Years of IOM Child Trafficking Data to Inform Policy and Programming." The report, based on extensive data analysis from over 69,000 trafficking victims of 156 nationalities in 186 countries, highlights that more than half of the child trafficking victims are trafficked within their own countries. The study emphasises the complexity and multifaceted nature of child trafficking, affecting all ages, genders, and nationalities. It reveals that boys are more susceptible to forced labour trafficking, while girls are often trafficked for sexual exploitation and identifies South-East Asia, the Pacific, sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America and the Caribbean as prominent regions of origin for forced labour victims.
Vatican City, the world's smallest nation, is also one of the most challenging places to migrate to. Becoming a citizen of Vatican City is a stringent process with only four avenues. These include being a Catholic Cardinal residing in Rome or Vatican City, being a diplomat of the Holy See, having a profession necessitating residence in Vatican City, or applying directly to the church administration. Special permission or being a spouse/child of a current resident is required for the last option.
Good Finds
Melissa Fu's debut novel 'Peach Blossom Spring' draws inspiration from her father's life, weaving a captivating tale across generations and continents. Set against the backdrop of war, migration, and the search for belonging, the story begins in 1938 during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Meilin and her son Renshu's lives are marked by displacement and the loss of their homes. Their journey leads them to America, where Renshu becomes Henry Dao, and his daughter Lily strives to uncover her family's history. The novel beautifully explores themes of identity, heritage, and the untold stories of the past. It's a poignant exploration of a family's legacy shaped by displacement and the enduring quest for a true home.
World Athletics, the international sports governing body, encompasses six disciplines including track and field, road running, and more. ASICS, their partner, has officially joined the Athlete Refugee Team (ART) as a sponsor. Comprising athletes who have fled violence and conflicts, ART gains support through this partnership that began in June and extends to 2026. ASICS equips the elite and U20 refugee teams with gear and unprecedented access to their global training centres. With their eyes set on the World Athletics Championship in Budapest from August 19-27, they're geared up for success!
“Richelieu (Temporaries)," a Canadian drama by Pier-Philippe Chevigny, exposes the exploitation of immigrant workers by powerful global companies. This film delves deep into the complex issue, shedding light on how capitalism dehumanises individuals and perpetuates inequality. Through outstanding performances, the movie starkly portrays the plight of immigrant employees. "Richelieu" stands as a poignant depiction of modern work's challenges, driven by a compelling narrative, precise direction, and powerful acting.
Thank you, we will see you again next month!
Best Wishes,
The IMN Team
Research and Drafting: Mihika Samant and Mira Srinidhi
Editorial Support: Pooja Bhatia
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