Repatriation of illegal immigrants to speed up

The Sindh government is set to escalate its efforts to repatriate illegal immigrants starting mid-April, in accordance with a plan sanctioned by both federal and provincial authorities. A meeting focusing on the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP) was convened at the home department.

Chaired by Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, the meeting saw the participation of key officials including the home secretary, revenue secretary, Sindh IG, additional IG Karachi, Karachi commissioner, prosecutor general, Afghan Refugee Commissioner, and a representative from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). Commissioners from various Sindh divisions joined the discussion via video link, while representatives from different intelligence agencies were also in attendance.

Home Secretary Iqbal Memon briefed the assembly on the approval of the IFRP by the federal government in September 2023. Consequently, the Sindh government formulated its own strategy to repatriate all illegal immigrants starting November 1, 2023. Implementation committees were established at provincial, divisional, and district levels, alongside the creation of a central control room and complaint cell at the home department to ensure effective coordination, monitoring, and reporting throughout the repatriation process.

Furthermore, Memon highlighted that the caretaker cabinet approved funds, which were subsequently placed at the disposal of the secretary general administration for further distribution among deputy commissioners.

The mapping of illegal foreigners commenced on October 28, 2023, followed by joint mapping exercises conducted by police and various intelligence agencies by December. Memon informed the gathering that data on blocked Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) provided by NADRA had been transmitted to commissioners on December 18 for district-level committee (DLC) meetings. The data was also disseminated to IG Sindh, intelligence agencies, and all commissioners to facilitate necessary actions.

The Ministry of Interior (MOI) revealed in the previous meeting that the second phase of IFRP would commence in mid-April 2024, targeting illegal foreigners, including those immigrants whose Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC) and proof of registration had expired in March.

Lanjar directed the home secretary to liaise with all joint teams involved in the process and expedite the IFRP. He further instructed the Sindh police chief to finalize the repatriation plan in consultation with all stakeholders, including intelligence agencies. Commissioners and deputy commissioners were also urged to promptly convene DLC meetings to fulfill their responsibilities outlined by the home department.

Reiterating the commitment of the Sindh government to the seamless execution of the Repatriation Plan, Home Minister Lanjar emphasized the importance of such measures in upholding law and order and ensuring security within the province. He underscored the necessity for concerted efforts and a clear roadmap to achieve the objectives collectively.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 2^nd, 2024.