Key Takeaways
• In May 2025, 40 Rohingya refugees were forcibly deported from Delhi to the Andaman Sea by Indian authorities.
• India’s Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, aims to modernize immigration laws but raises refugee protection concerns.
• UN and human rights groups condemn deportations, citing violations of international law and non-refoulement principles.
Indian authorities have come under sharp international criticism after reports surfaced in May 2025 that dozens of Rohingya refugees were detained in Delhi, blindfolded, flown to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and then forced into the Andaman Sea. Human rights groups and the United Nations have condemned these actions, calling for urgent investigations and a halt to such deportations.
Rohingya Refugees Face Dangerous Deportations
On May 8, 2025, at least 40 Rohingya refugees—many carrying United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) identification—were detained by Indian officials in Delhi. According to multiple reports, these individuals were blindfolded, transported by air to the remote Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and then forced into the open waters of the Andaman Sea. They were given life jackets and told to swim toward Myanmar’s coast, despite the known dangers of the journey and the ongoing conflict in Myanmar.
The United Nations and several human rights organizations have strongly condemned these actions. UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews described the deportations as “outrageous” and called for India to immediately stop such practices. “Forcing vulnerable people into the sea, knowing the risks they face, is unacceptable under any circumstances,” Andrews stated.
India’s Changing Immigration Laws and the New Bill
These incidents come as India 🇮🇳 is in the process of overhauling its immigration system. The government has introduced the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, which aims to modernize and consolidate the country’s immigration laws. This new bill is intended to replace older laws like the Foreigners Act of 1946 and the Passport (Entry into India) Act of 1920. The government says the bill will improve national security, make visa processes simpler, and help prevent illegal immigration.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has defended the bill, saying it is necessary for India’s security, trade, and development. He explained that the new law would remove confusion caused by overlapping and outdated rules. “India is not a Dharamshala where anyone can stay without purpose,” Shah said, stressing the need for legal entry and stay in the country.
International Law and the Principle of Non-Refoulement
The forced deportation of Rohingya refugees into the Andaman Sea has raised serious concerns about India’s commitment to international law. The principle of non-refoulement is a key part of refugee protection under international law. It means that countries should not send people back to places where they could face danger, persecution, or harm.
Many experts and organizations argue that India’s recent actions violate this principle. The Rohingya, a Muslim minority from Myanmar, have faced years of violence and discrimination in their home country. Forcing them back, especially in such dangerous conditions, puts their lives at risk.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the international community has called on India to respect its obligations under international law and to provide protection for refugees rather than exposing them to further harm.
Personal Stories: Rohingya Men Recount Their Ordeal
Several Rohingya men who survived the journey have shared their experiences with journalists and human rights groups. One man, who asked not to be named for fear of retaliation, described being blindfolded and loaded onto a plane with dozens of others. “We didn’t know where we were going. When they took off the blindfolds, we were on an island. Then they put us in a boat and told us to jump into the sea,” he said.
Another survivor said, “They gave us life jackets and pointed toward the horizon. We were scared, but we had no choice. Some of us can’t swim. We thought we would die.”
These stories highlight the real dangers faced by Rohingya refugees during these forced deportations. Many have lost contact with family members and do not know if their loved ones survived the journey.
Government Response and Justification
The Indian government has defended its actions by saying that it must protect its borders and prevent illegal immigration. Officials argue that the new Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, will help the country better manage who enters and stays in India 🇮🇳. They also claim that the bill will make it easier to deport people who do not have legal status.
However, critics say that these policies do not take into account the special needs of refugees, especially those fleeing violence and persecution. They argue that India 🇮🇳 should not treat refugees the same way as other migrants who enter the country without permission.
Impact on Rohingya Refugees and Their Families
The deportation drive has left many Rohingya refugees in India 🇮🇳 living in fear. Some have gone into hiding, afraid that they will be the next to be detained and sent back. Many families have been separated, with parents and children losing contact after one or more members are deported.
Human rights groups warn that these actions could push refugees into even more dangerous situations. Without legal protection, Rohingya refugees may be forced to take risky journeys or rely on smugglers, putting them at greater risk of exploitation and abuse.
International Reactions and Calls for Change
The United Nations, along with organizations like Amnesty International and the Human Rights Research Council (HRRC), has called on India 🇮🇳 to stop forced deportations and to provide legal protection for Rohingya refugees. UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews has launched an inquiry into the recent incidents and urged the Indian government to respect international human rights standards.
Amnesty International released a statement saying, “India’s actions put the lives of vulnerable people at risk and violate its obligations under international law. The government must immediately halt these deportations and ensure that all refugees are treated with dignity and respect.”
Background: Who Are the Rohingya?
The Rohingya are a Muslim minority group from Myanmar. For decades, they have faced discrimination, violence, and denial of citizenship in their home country. In 2017, a military crackdown in Myanmar forced hundreds of thousands of Rohingya to flee to neighboring countries, including Bangladesh and India 🇮🇳.
Many Rohingya refugees in India 🇮🇳 have lived in the country for years, often in difficult conditions. Some have UNHCR identification cards, which are supposed to offer some protection, but these documents have not always prevented detention or deportation.
The Andaman Sea: A Perilous Route
The Andaman Sea is known for its rough waters and unpredictable weather. Forcing refugees into this sea, especially without proper boats or navigation, is extremely dangerous. Many Rohingya refugees have died in the past while trying to cross the Andaman Sea in search of safety.
Human rights groups say that sending people into the sea with only life jackets is a clear violation of their rights and puts their lives at immediate risk. Survivors of these journeys often suffer from trauma, dehydration, and injuries.
Legal and Policy Implications
The introduction of the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, marks a significant shift in India’s approach to immigration and refugee protection. The bill aims to:
- Update and combine old immigration laws to make them clearer and more effective
- Strengthen border security and make it easier to deport people without legal status
- Streamline visa processes for those entering India 🇮🇳 legally
While the government argues that these changes are necessary for national security, critics worry that the bill does not provide enough protection for refugees and asylum seekers. They fear that the new law could make it even harder for vulnerable groups like the Rohingya to find safety in India 🇮🇳.
Stakeholders and Resources
Several groups are involved in the ongoing debate over India’s immigration and refugee policies:
- Indian Government: The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs are responsible for immigration and deportation policies. Official information can be found on the Government of India’s website.
- UNHCR: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees works to protect refugees and provide support. Their website offers information about refugee rights and how to get help.
- Human Rights Organizations: Groups like Amnesty International and the Human Rights Research Council (HRRC) monitor human rights abuses and advocate for refugee protection.
What Happens Next?
The future of India’s deportation policies and the treatment of Rohingya refugees will depend on several factors:
- Implementation of the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025: How the new law is put into practice will shape the country’s approach to refugees and migrants.
- International Pressure: Continued attention from the United Nations and human rights groups may push India 🇮🇳 to change its policies.
- Legal Challenges: Refugees and their advocates may challenge deportations in Indian courts, arguing that they violate both Indian law and international agreements.
Expert Views and Calls for Reform
Experts in immigration and human rights law say that India 🇮🇳 needs to balance its security concerns with its humanitarian obligations. They argue that the country should not return people to places where they face serious harm, and that refugees should be given a chance to apply for protection.
“India has a long tradition of offering refuge to those in need,” said one legal expert. “But recent actions suggest a shift away from this tradition. The government should ensure that its policies do not put vulnerable people at risk.”
Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that India’s approach to the Rohingya crisis will be closely watched by the international community. The way the country handles these cases could affect its reputation and relationships with other countries.
Practical Guidance for Rohingya Refugees and Supporters
For Rohingya refugees in India 🇮🇳, the current situation is very uncertain. Those at risk of detention or deportation should:
- Seek legal advice from organizations that specialize in refugee protection
- Contact the UNHCR for help and information about their rights
- Stay informed about changes in the law and government policy
Supporters and advocates can:
- Raise awareness about the dangers faced by Rohingya refugees
- Contact elected officials to urge them to protect refugee rights
- Support organizations that provide legal and humanitarian assistance
Conclusion: Balancing Security and Humanity
India’s recent deportation drive and the introduction of the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, mark a turning point in the country’s approach to immigration and refugee protection. While the government argues that these changes are needed for security and development, many worry that they come at the expense of vulnerable groups like the Rohingya.
The international community will continue to watch how India 🇮🇳 handles these challenges. For now, the fate of many Rohingya refugees remains uncertain, as they face the dangers of the Andaman Sea and the threat of being returned to a country where they have already suffered so much.
For more information about India’s immigration policies and official resources, visit the Government of India’s website.
Learn Today
Rohingya → A Muslim minority group from Myanmar facing persecution and displacement, often seeking refuge internationally.
Non-refoulement → International law principle forbidding returning refugees to countries where they face danger or persecution.
Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 → India’s proposed law aiming to update immigration rules and enhance border security.
UNHCR → United Nations agency protecting refugees and supporting displaced people worldwide.
Deportation → The forced removal of a person from a country for violating immigration laws or lacking legal status.
This Article in a Nutshell
India forcibly deported Rohingya refugees to the dangerous Andaman Sea in May 2025, sparking global condemnation and calls for policy reform. The new Immigration and Foreigners Bill attempts to overhaul laws, but critics warn it neglects refugee protections amid increasing human rights concerns.
— By VisaVerge.com
