World Immigration News

How India is weaponising immigration control to silence its diaspora

Release Date: 2025-09-07
Media: ALJAZEERA
Summary: Professor Nitasha Kaul, a UK-based academic and British citizen of Indian origin, recently had her Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status revoked by the Indian government. The cancellation cited vague accusations of "anti-India activities" without presenting any concrete evidence. Kaul has been a vocal critic of the Indian government's treatment of minorities, democratic backsliding, and right-wing Hindu nationalism.

She is not alone — over 120 OCIs have been revoked in the past nine years, with a sharp increase in recent years, especially in 2024 (57 cases) and early 2025 (15 cases). Most affected individuals are journalists, academics, and activists critical of the ruling BJP and its Hindutva ideology.

Observers and rights groups argue that the Indian government is weaponising immigration controls to silence dissent among the diaspora. Critics face travel restrictions, account bans, or defamation, especially following politically sensitive events like attacks in Kashmir. The Indian judiciary has occasionally resisted these actions, as in the case of academic Ashok Swain.

Many diaspora members, particularly British Indians, are becoming increasingly concerned about India’s political trajectory but fear speaking out due to potential consequences like losing travel privileges.

The article argues that the UK government, despite its close ties to India, has failed to address these democratic concerns, particularly during trade negotiations. It urges the diaspora and the UK to push back against these authoritarian trends, emphasizing that true engagement with India must include the freedom to criticize without fear of retribution.
Tags: India

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