India expects Bangladesh to expedite nationality verification for deportation process
New Delhi says many requests regarding suspected illegal immigrants remain pending with Bangladesh authorities
India today (5 June) said it expects Bangladesh to expedite the nationality verification process of suspected illegal immigrants to facilitate their deportation in a "smooth and efficient manner".
Speaking at the weekly media briefing in New Delhi, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said a bilateral mechanism already exists regarding the deportation process.
"As far as deportation of these people is concerned, there is a bilateral mechanism in place. We refer these cases to the Bangladesh side for them to verify the nationality of these people. And once it is verified, then we take forward the deportation process," he added.
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For all nationals in India, including from Bangladesh, if they are here illegally, we have laws to deal with them. And they will be dealt with accordingly.
Jaiswal further said India had sent multiple such requests to Bangladesh, many of which were still pending.
"We hope and expect that they will be expedited as soon as possible so that the deportation of people who are illegally staying in India can be taken forward in a smooth and efficient manner," he said.
He made the remarks in response to a question regarding Bangladesh's allegations that Indian authorities were pushing people into Bangladesh through the border.
Responding to the allegation, Jaiswal said India has laws to deal with foreign nationals staying illegally in the country.
"For all nationals in India, including from Bangladesh, if they are here illegally, we have laws to deal with them. And they will be dealt with accordingly," he said.
Asked whether the ongoing "push-in" could jeopardise bilateral relations between the two countries, the MEA spokesperson said India wanted to further strengthen ties with Bangladesh and take them forward.
Responding to another question regarding a remark by former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over India's alleged involvement in the killing of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, Jaiswal said he had not yet seen the statement.
"I have not seen the remark. Once I see that, I will get back to you," he said.
