Make visas valid for jobs, says UN

Commenting on the Rohingya refugee issue in Hyderabad, UN refugee agency UNHCR has asked the government to make long term visas and refugee cards valid for accessing public services, bank accounts and employment in the private sector.

The UNHCR in a written reply to this correspondent over the recent statement of the Centre trying to deport Rohingya Muslims who migrated from Myanmar said there are around 16,500 Rohingyas from Myanmar who are registered with UNHCR in India.

“The UNHCR issues ID cards to refugees and documents to asylum seekers which help prevent harassment, arbitrary arrests and deportation. Most Rohingya refugees live across India. In principle, all refugees in India have access to government health and education services but sometimes they have difficulties in accessing them. UNHCR supports them through governmental, NGOs and other partners. It works closely with the government to ensure that refugees are able to live with dignity,” said the agency.

The UNHCR also stressed that most Rohingyas in India are unskilled and are only able to find jobs in the informal sector and face exploitation.

“They live in slums with limited access to water, toilets and electricity. The authorities issue Long Term Visas to refugees which eases their access to public services, bank accounts and employment in the private sector. Due to some changes in the documentation process some refugees have been facing challenges in accessing public services. It is very important for refugees to have access to employment.”

UNHCR believes that refugees are victims of violence. “Protecting refugees is compatible with national security. In fact, registration helps governments of host countries to know who is on their territory and who needs protection. Viewing all refugees as threats may put at risk children and women. There are no official camps for Rohingyas in Hyderabad,” said the agency.

THE UNHCR said that there are around 16,500 Rohingyas from Myanmar who are registered with it in India. Most Rohingyas are unskilled and can take up jobs only in the informal sector