Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Illegal Indians quitting recession-hit UK?

PTI

LONDON, 13 MAY: Amidst a tougher immigration regime under the David Cameron government, dwindling job opportunities and double-dip recession, many Indian citizens who entered Britain illegally to chase their 'London Dreams' are returning home, official figures show.

As a newly-formed task force moves to clear 'slums' with illegal immigrants in Southall and elsewhere, the figures show an increase in the number of such Indians (who entered the country illegally) seeking official help to return to India.

For many Indian citizens who brave hazardous journeys across continents and wily human traffickers with hopes of a better life, their dreams often turns into a veritable nightmare, and are reduced to living in slum-like conditions here.

The number of those returning may be small compared to the overall number of illegal immigrants, but the figures show an increase since 2009, reflecting tougher action by the UK Border Agency (UKBA) as well as a willingness ~ even if reluctant ~ to return home.

Many who destroy their passports to prevent deportation go through the complex task of re-establishing their Indian identity and obtain emergency travel documents (ETD) from the Indian high commission here to return home.

Others seek to return after being frustrated by the lack of petty job opportunities. Such individuals are apprehended by the UKBA, which refers their cases to the high commission to establish their identity for eventual repatriation to India. It is the host country's responsibility to check illegal immigration. Figures show an increase in the number of such individuals referred by UKBA to the high commission.

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