Nationality Identification

Illegal Bangladeshis big problem

Says Indian minister

19 August 2011, 18:00 PM

Pallab Bhattacharya, New Delhi

India yesterday said delay in identification of nationality of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh by Bangladesh High Commission is causing problems in the deportation of the illegal immigrants. The government has taken up the issue of illegal immigrants with the Bangladesh government, Indian Junior Minister For Home Mullappally Ramachandran told the Rajya Sabha. Nearly 1.35 lakh people from Bangladesh without valid visa were intercepted between 2001 and June 30, 2010, he said, replying to a debate on a private member's bill moved by Shiv Sena leader Manohar Joshi. The minister said illegal immigrants from Bangladesh are a "big problem", and the government is taking steps to deal with the issue. Ramachandran said after issuance of unique identification card the country would be able to check illegal immigration. He said the existing laws to tackle the problem are adequate. Ravishankar Prasad of BJP said illegal immigration from Bangladesh is a threat to the security, sanctity, and defence of the country and should be stopped immediately.