Source:

UNHCR recommended that all states suspend, initially for a period of three months, all involuntary returns to a number of affected areas, even in the case of persons found not to be in need of international protection [ID 8185]

28.03.2006 - Source: UK Home Office

Report on general, political and human rights situation (Sikhs, Christians, Muslims and Hindus; land disputes, members of Akali Dal, domestic violence, prison conditions) ("Operation Guidance Note: India") [#48239],  [ID 8184]

"[...]
5. Returns
5.1 Factors that affect the practicality of return such as the difficulty or otherwise of obtaining a travel document should not be taken into account when considering the merits of an asylum or human rights claim.
5.2 Indian nationals may return voluntarily to any region of India at any time by way of the Voluntary Assisted Return and Reintegration Programme run by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and co-funded by the European Refugee Fund. IOM will provide advice and help with obtaining travel documents and booking flights, as well as organising reintegration assistance in India. The programme was established in 2001 and is open to those awaiting an asylum decision or the outcome of an appeal, as well as failed asylum seekers. Indian nationals wishing to avail themselves of this opportunity for assisted return to India should be put in contact with the IOM offices in London on 020 7233 0001 or www.iomlondon.org.[...]"

Document(s): Open document

10.2004 - Source: UK Home Office

Treatment of returned failed asylum seekers ("Country Report - October 2004") [#28325],  [ID 8186]

"[...]6.353 As reported in the Danish Immigration Service fact finding report 2000, UNHCR observed that judging by their general information on Indian nationals who returned after having their asylum applications abroad rejected, returnees did not have problems if they returned with valid travel documents and if their departure had taken place with valid travel documents. Those who had not complied with Indian laws on leaving and arriving in India might be prosecuted. Refused Indian asylum seekers who returned to India with temporary travel documents could enter without any problems as such, but if they arrived after their passport had expired then they would be questioned about the reasons for this. These arrivals were questioned briefly and could then leave the airport. [37]

6.354 As reported in the Danish Immigration Service fact finding report 2000 UNHCR also remarked that in cases where the Indian authorities became aware that the person returning had been refused asylum, it was likely that the immigration authorities would detain the person briefly for questioning and then release the individual, unless suspicion was aroused by the returnee's behaviour or the individual was being sought by the Indian security services. Those in the latter group would be thoroughly questioned and if they were wanted, would be handed over to the security force in question. According to information available to the UNHCR, such questioning in international airports had not led to the use of violence. [37] “However, it could not be said with certainty what might eventually happen to those arrivals who were wanted by other security forces and were handed over to them. Strictly speaking they should appear before a judge in 24 hours. However, legal rights were not always observed, eg torture took place, as did other human rights abuses such as a lack of medical treatment during detention, etc” [37] (p.53)

6.355 According to the Danish Immigration Service fact finding report 2000, it would not be seen as an offence to have sought asylum in another country unless the person in question had connections with a terrorist group or a separatist movement and could be connected with activities which might damage India's sovereignty, integrity or security, or activities which might have a harmful effect on India's relations with other countries. For Indian asylum seekers who were already wanted by the Indian authorities for earlier offences such as alleged involvement in a terrorist group, arrival in India would certainly lead to prosecution wherever the Indian citizen landed or went afterwards. [37] [...]"

Document(s): Open document

28.08.2003 - Source: Schweizerische Flüchtlingshilfe

Possible risks because of alleged cooperation with the islamist Hizbul Mujahideen, regarded as terrorist organization under the Prevention of Terrorism Act; situation in Jammu and Kashmir; obtainment of forged documents; internal flight alternative (in German) ("Staatliche Verfolgung und interne Fluchtalternative ") [#18254],  [ID 8187]

"Das UK Home Office widmet ein Kapitel seines Berichtes vom April 2003 der Behandlung von indischen Staatsangehörigen durch die Regierung, deren Asylgesuch im Ausland abgewiesen wurde. Das Ersuchen um Asyl im Ausland wird nicht als Vergehen angesehen. Die abgewiesenen Asylsuchenden haben demnach bei der Einreise nach Indien keine Probleme, sofern sie gültige Papieren vorweisen können. Personen mit temporären Reisepapieren, zum Beispiel wegen eines abgelaufenen Passes, werden bei der Ankunft kurz befragt und können danach den Flughafen verlassen. Personen hingegen, die illegal ausgereist sind, können bei der Wiedereinreise strafrechtlich verfolgt werden. Wenn Asylsuchende bereits vor der Ausreise wegen Zusammenarbeit mit Terroristen gesucht wurden oder im Ausland Aktivitäten nachgingen, die sich aus der Sicht Indiens nachteilig auf Indiens Souveränität und Integrität auswirken, werden sie gemäss den Angaben des UK Home Office bei ihrer Wiedereinreise strafrechtlich verfolgt.16 [...]

Können ehemalige Häftlinge mit einem gefälschten Pass aus Indien ausreisen?

Der Schweizerischen Flüchtlingshilfe sind Fälle bekannt, in denen indische Staatsangehörige mit gefälschten Pässen per Flugzeug aus dem Land ausreisten. Die Fälle kommen jedoch nur dann ans Tageslicht, wenn die Personen von den Behörden aufgegriffen werden. Es bestehen gute Gründe anzunehmen, dass es Fälle gibt, in denen die Flucht mit einem gefälschten Pass gelang. Bei der Rückkehr nach Indien besteht die Möglichkeit, dass der Gesuchsteller strafrechtlich verfolgt wird, da er illegal das Land verlassen hat."

Document(s): Open document