Tribunals in Assam declared over 1.43 lakh as foreigners: Govt

The home ministry on Wednesday told the Rajya Sabha that foreigners tribunals in Assam had declared over 1.43 lakh persons as foreigners and 1.21 lakh as Indian citizens as on December 31, 2021. However, only 329 persons declared as foreigners had been deported to their countries of origin as on February 1. 2022.

Replying to a question, MoS(home) Nityanand Rai said the government of Assam had informed the home ministry that there were 100 foreigners tribunals presently operating in Assam. Around 1.24 lakh cases were pending before these tribunals as on December 31, 2021, he said.

MHA further stated that no data was maintained centrally in respect of detention centres and that the states and UTs are delegated powers and functions to make arrangements for detention centres as per their requirements. The ministry, Rai said, has allocated a total Rs 69 crore for functioning of foreigners tribunals in the 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22.