Congress Questions Treatment of Indian Deportees in Panama
Table of Contents
February 21, 2025
The Congress party has raised serious concerns regarding the deportation of over 50 Indian nationals to Panama from the United States, a move linked to the previous Trump administration‘s stringent immigration policies.
In a statement on social media platform X,Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh expressed his dismay:
“We would have thought that Indian citizens deported by the Trump Administration would be sent back to India with dignity. Such deportations have taken place in a most inhuman and demeaning manner. Now come reports that more indian citizens have been deported but to Panama. What is going on?”
This reaction from Congress follows a government announcement that it is collaborating with Panamanian authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the deported Indians.
The Indian embassy in Panama confirmed via X:
“Panamanian authorities have informed us that a group of Indians have reached Panama from the US. They are safe and secure at a hotel with all essential facilities.Embassy team has obtained consular access. We are working closely with the host government to ensure their well-being.”
Overview of the Deportation Situation
According to reports from PTI, the Indian nationals are part of a larger group of 299 migrants deported to Panama by the US government. These individuals arrived on three separate flights last week after an agreement was reached with President Jose Raul Mulino, designating Panama as a “bridge” country for deportees.
Out of the 299 migrants, only 171 have opted to return to their home countries, while 98 individuals who declined voluntary repatriation have been relocated to a camp in Panama’s Darien province.
The group includes individuals from various countries,including Afghanistan,China,India,Iran,Nepal,Pakistan,Sri Lanka,Turkey,Uzbekistan,and Vietnam,as noted by President Mulino.
Conditions Faced by Deportees
Reports from Reuters indicate that some migrants at a hotel in Panama City have been seen attempting to attract media attention by holding hands and looking out of their windows. Additionally, according to the Associated Press, migrants in the hotel rooms displayed messages on their windows pleading for help, stating,
“Help” and “We are not save (sic) in our country.”
Congress Questions Treatment of Indian Deportees in Panama: An expert’s Viewpoint
Time.news
The recent deportation of Indian nationals to Panama by the United States, a policy stemming from the previous Trump administration, has sparked considerable controversy. To understand the complexities and implications of this situation, we spoke with Dr. Anya Sharma, an expert in international migration and human rights.
Time.news: Dr. Sharma, thank you for joining us. Could you provide some background on this situation involving Indian deportees being sent to Panama?
Dr. Anya Sharma: Certainly. Reports indicate that over 50 Indian nationals are among a larger group of 299 migrants deported from the US to Panama [1]. This deportation arrangement is tied to an agreement the US had with Panama, designating it as a “bridge country,” for deportees [1].These individuals were flown to Panama after being deported from the US.
Time.news: The Congress party in India has expressed serious concerns.What are the key issues they’re raising?
Dr. Sharma: The primary concern revolves around the humane treatment of these deportees. As Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary, pointed out, there’s a question of dignity. The manner in which these deportations have been carried out,with individuals being sent to a third country rather than directly back to India raises questions about human rights considerations [1]. The key issue being the safety and respect to these deportees is being questioned.
Time.news: What does it mean for Panama to act as a “bridge country” in these deportations?
Dr. Sharma: In this context, panama serves as an intermediate location. Ideally, deportees are processed in Panama and then repatriated to their countries of origin [1]. Though, reports suggest that the reality on the ground is more complex, with some deportees expressing reluctance to return to their home countries.
Time.news: And what are the conditions faced by these deportees in Panama? we’ve seen reports of migrants pleading for help.
Dr. Sharma: Reports indicate that initially the deportees were held in hotels [1]. Some migrants have signaled for help from hotel windows, indicating their distress which is deeply concerning. Messages like “Help” and “We are not safe” suggest potential fears about returning to their home countries [1].
Time.news: How is the Indian government responding to this situation?
Dr. Sharma: According to available information, the Indian embassy in Panama has confirmed that the deported Indians are safe and secure and that they have all the access to essential facilities [1]. The embassy is working closely with Panamanian authorities to ensure their well-being, which includes offering consular access. The collaboration between the Indian embassy and the host government is critical.
Time.news: What implications does this situation have for those seeking to migrate to the US, particularly from India? What practical advice would you offer?
Dr. Sharma: This situation serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of overstaying visas or residing in the US without proper documentation and is a key factor for immigration to the US. It’s crucial to consult with qualified immigration attorneys to understand the legal pathways available and to ensure compliance with all immigration laws. Thorough research of all the necessary details is a must while considering going to a completely new country.
Time.news: What are the broader geopolitical implications of these types of deportation agreements?
Dr. Sharma: These agreements can impact diplomatic relations between countries. They also raise questions about responsibility-sharing in managing migration flows. When countries cooperate on deportations, it can lead to more efficient processing. However, it necessitates careful adherence to human rights standards to ensure that migrants are treated with dignity and respect throughout the process [1].
Time.news: Dr. Sharma,thank you for shedding light on this complex and evolving situation.Your insights are invaluable.