According to the UNHCR in Ottawa, refugees in India have officially no right to work, although in practice Afghanis of Indian origin do work, while other groups, such as the Iranians, Somalis and Ethiopians are unable to find work due to language problems (22 Feb. 1994). In one of its publications, however, the UNHCR reports that Tibetan refugees, assisted by the Indian government, have largely become self-sufficient in India (UNHCR 14 Aug. 1992, 3).

At the end of 1992, the UNHCR was assisting urban Afghan refugees who were receiving health, nutrition and educational services (USCR 1993, 94). Sri Lankan refugees, a group assisted by the Indian government, were receiving free education up to the eight grade, but their access to higher education was terminated after Rajiv Gandhi's assassination in 1991 (ibid.). Nevertheless, educational assistance at the university level was provided to various categories of urban refugees until June 1993 (United Nations May 1993, 98).

According to the Travel Information Manual, the Indian consulate abroad can issue a re-entry permit to returning alien residents (Feb. 1994, 162). However, "prior authorization has to be arranged before departure from India" (ibid.). The Passport Act of 1967 "forbids any citizen or alien to depart from, or attempt to depart from, India, unless he holds a valid passport or travel document" (Goodwin-Gill 1978, 30). In the case of refugees or asylum seekers, India does not readmit them once they leave the country, which may result in their deportation or refoulement (UNCHR 22 Feb. 1994).

Corroboration of the above was sought from the High Commission of India in Ottawa, which is requesting this information from Dehli. When received, the High Commission's response will be forwarded to you.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

References

Goodwin-Gill, Guy. 1978. International Law and the Movement of Persons Between States. Oxford: Clarendon Press.

International Aviation and Transportation Association (IATA). Travel Information Manual. February 1994.

United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), Ottawa. 22 February 1994. Fax received.

, Geneva. 14 August 1992. "Facts Sheet: India." (HCRVIEWS, DIRB)

United Nations, General Assembly, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. May 1993. (A/AC.96/808 (Part II)). UNHCR Activities Financed by Voluntary Funds: Report for 1992-1993 and Proposed Programmes and Budget for 1994.

U.S. Committee for Refugees (USCR). 1993. World Refugee Survey 1993. Washington.

Attachments

Goodwin-Gill, Guy. 1978. International Law and the Movement of Persons Between States. Oxford: Clarendon Press.

International Aviation and Transportation Association (IATA). Travel Information Manual. February 1994.

United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), Ottawa. 22 February 1994. Fax received.

, Geneva. 14 August 1992. "Facts Sheet: India." (HCRVIEWS, DIRB)

United Nations, General Assembly, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. May 1993. (A/AC.96/808 (Part II)). UNHCR Activities Financed by Voluntary Funds: Report for 1992-1993 and Proposed Programmes and Budget for 1994.

U.S. Committee for Refugees (USCR). 1993. World Refugee Survey 1993. Washington.