India Always Open to Legitimate Return India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, recently reaffirmed the country’s commitment to addressing issues surrounding the return of undocumented Indians living abroad. Speaking at a press briefing in New Delhi on January 20, 2025, Jaishankar made it clear that India stands ready to accept its citizens who are willing to return, provided such returns occur through legitimate processes. His remarks come amid rising global discussions on migration policies and undocumented workers, India Always Open to Legitimate Return which have significant implications for India given its vast diaspora spread across the world.
The foreign minister emphasized India’s proactive approach in engaging with foreign governments and ensuring that the rights and dignity of Indian citizens are upheld while addressing challenges related to irregular migration. His statement also underlines India’s stance on the responsibility of nations to work collaboratively in managing cross-border migration issues in a fair, India Always Open to Legitimate Return humane, and rules-based manner.
Context: Growing Concerns Around Irregular Migration
India has one of the largest diaspora communities in the world, with an estimated 32 million Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) living across different countries. Many of these individuals migrate legally for work, education, or family reunification. However, a portion of Indians abroad find themselves in irregular situations due to overstaying visas, illegal entry, or issues related to documentation.
In recent years, there has been growing global scrutiny around undocumented migration, especially in Western nations, which have introduced stringent immigration policies to curb illegal entry. Countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and parts of Europe have called for greater cooperation with India on the repatriation of undocumented Indians within their borders. Jaishankar’s recent remarks are particularly significant in this context, India Always Open to Legitimate Return signaling India’s readiness to work in good faith to ensure that migration policies are implemented in line with international norms.
India’s Position on Repatriation
In his address, Jaishankar clarified that while India takes a clear stance against irregular migration, it has always been open to the legitimate return of its citizens who have found themselves living without proper documentation abroad. The foreign minister stated, “India respects and acknowledges the sovereignty of other nations and the need to ensure compliance with their immigration laws. At the same time, India Always Open to Legitimate Return we expect such processes to be fair and transparent.”
Jaishankar also highlighted India’s commitment to supporting its citizens overseas, noting that undocumented migration often arises due to various socio-economic challenges back home or exploitation by unscrupulous middlemen and human traffickers. He stressed that India’s policy is aimed at balancing accountability with compassion. “Our responsibility is twofold: to prevent irregular migration through better awareness and opportunities at home, while also providing consular and legal assistance to Indians who may find themselves in precarious situations abroad,” he explained.
The minister pointed to India’s comprehensive migration partnerships with several countries, aimed at enhancing the legal movement of workers, combating trafficking networks, India Always Open to Legitimate Return and ensuring the dignified return of citizens when necessary. 
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Cooperation with Destination Countries
Jaishankar’s remarks came in the backdrop of ongoing discussions between India and countries like the United States, the UK, and Australia on deportation protocols and pathways for the voluntary return of undocumented Indians. Over the last few years, these nations have faced an increase in migrants crossing borders illegally or overstaying their visas, India Always Open to Legitimate Return including a significant number of Indians.
The UK, for example, has repeatedly sought India’s cooperation in expediting the return of individuals who no longer meet the immigration requirements for lawful residency. The two countries signed a Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement in 2021, India Always Open to Legitimate Return which set frameworks for both enhanced legal migration and expedited action on the removal of individuals staying illegally in each other’s countries.
Similarly, the US has called for closer collaboration with India to tackle overstayers and human trafficking networks. Jaishankar affirmed India’s willingness to engage bilaterally and multilaterally with partner nations on such issues. However, he emphasized the need for verification processes to ensure that only genuine Indian nationals are repatriated.
“We are open to the return of undocumented Indians, provided there is proper verification to confirm their citizenship status,” Jaishankar said, India Always Open to Legitimate Return alluding to past disagreements where individuals deported by foreign governments were found not to be Indian citizens upon arrival.
Challenges of Verification and Trafficking
One of the key hurdles in addressing undocumented migration is ensuring the authenticity of the individuals being deported. Jaishankar reiterated that deportation must take place only after a thorough verification of nationality, as cases in the past have demonstrated the wrongful deportation of non-Indians or stateless individuals who falsely claim to be Indian nationals.
To address this issue, India has strengthened its systems for identity verification. The Ministry of External Affairs works closely with Indian consulates and embassies abroad to conduct the required due diligence. This process involves cross-referencing biometric data, India Always Open to Legitimate Return government-issued documents, and family links to establish the nationality of the individual in question.
Additionally, Jaishankar underlined the need to crack down on human trafficking networks that often lure Indian citizens into illegal migration by making false promises of jobs, education, or better living conditions. These traffickers exploit vulnerabilities, India Always Open to Legitimate Return particularly among unskilled or semi-skilled laborers from rural India, who are often sent abroad on forged documents. Upon reaching their destinations, these workers are left stranded without proper paperwork, leaving them at risk of exploitation, detention, and deportation.
“Breaking the nexus of human traffickers is critical to reducing instances of irregular migration. We are working closely with state governments, international organizations, India Always Open to Legitimate Return and destination countries to dismantle such networks,” Jaishankar emphasized.
India’s Efforts at Home to Prevent Irregular Migration
In a bid to curb irregular migration, India has launched several initiatives at home, particularly targeting rural communities and young people who are most susceptible to being duped by traffickers or illegal migration agents. Efforts include awareness campaigns about the dangers of irregular migration, India Always Open to Legitimate Return stricter regulation of recruitment agencies, and skill development programs to provide better economic opportunities for potential migrants within India itself.
Jaishankar cited government-backed campaigns like Safe and Legal Migration as vital tools for empowering people to make informed decisions about overseas opportunities. Additionally, India Always Open to Legitimate Return the ministry has strengthened outreach through Indian embassies and consulates, offering pre-departure orientation training to prepare migrants for their destination countries.
Programs like the Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY), which provide insurance coverage for overseas Indian workers, and partnerships with international bodies like the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have also been instrumental in promoting legal migration routes and reducing vulnerabilities.
The Human Side of Repatriation
Jaishankar’s remarks also touched on the human aspect of undocumented migration and the need to approach repatriation with empathy. Many undocumented Indians living abroad are in precarious situations, unable to access legal assistance or basic services. For them, India Always Open to Legitimate Return repatriation is not just a bureaucratic process but a lifeline back to stability and safety.
Non-profit organizations and human rights advocates have highlighted the emotional and psychological toll of undocumented migration, with many individuals fearing detention, deportation, India Always Open to Legitimate Return or social stigma upon their return to India. Jaishankar reassured that returning citizens would receive all necessary support to reintegrate into society.
“We will ensure that Indians returning home are not only repatriated with dignity but are also provided opportunities to rebuild their lives,” Jaishankar stated, India Always Open to Legitimate Return pointing to welfare programs and vocational training centers available for repatriated individuals.
Global Context of Migration and India’s Role
Undocumented migration is a global issue, affecting not just India but nations worldwide. Countries with aging populations often rely on migrants, both documented and undocumented, India Always Open to Legitimate Return to fulfill labor shortages. However, the politics of immigration—marked by rising nationalism and stricter border controls—has made it difficult to find consensus on migration policies.
India’s approach to this issue reflects its standing as a responsible global player and one of the largest contributors to international migration. By cooperating with destination countries to address undocumented migration and simultaneously enhancing protections for legal migrants, India is contributing to a more balanced and fair migration framework. 
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Jaishankar also called for stronger global collaboration on migration governance, stating that it cannot be addressed in isolation. “Irregular migration is a shared challenge. Countries must work together, not only to tackle root causes like inequality, unemployment, India Always Open to Legitimate Return and trafficking but also to ensure a fair system of migration that respects human rights,” he said.
Conclusion
Dr. Jaishankar’s statement reflects India’s nuanced position on the issue of undocumented Indians living abroad. By emphasizing legitimate processes, India reinforces its commitment to safeguarding the dignity and rights of its citizens while fulfilling its obligations under international law. The foreign minister’s remarks also point to the importance of collaboration—both domestically and globally—in tackling the complex challenges of irregular migration.
As India continues to engage with partner nations on migration issues, it must strike a delicate balance between enforcing accountability, addressing human trafficking, and creating sustainable pathways for economic growth and legal migration. With millions of Indians aspiring for better opportunities abroad, India Always Open to Legitimate Return the government’s efforts to ensure safe, legal, and dignified migration remain crucial—not just for individual families but also for strengthening India’s role in global migration governance. ALSO READ:- Novak Djokovic Alleges Poisoning Before 2022 Australian Open Deportation 2025