After Decades In Camps, Sri Lankan Tamils In Tamil Nadu Apply For Indian Citizenship: Report

Dozens of Sri Lankan Tamils who have lived in rehabilitation camps in Tamil Nadu for over 30 years, and many of whom were born in India, have applied for Indian citizenship, according to officials from the Commissionerate of Rehabilitation and Welfare of Non-Resident Tamils, The Hindu reported.

The surge in applications came after a demographic survey of 57,500 camp residents was conducted, where eligible individuals were assured help in securing citizenship.

A preliminary review found that around 300 applicants could qualify under the provisions of the Citizenship Act.

Most applicants were born in India between 1 July 1987 and 3 December 2004, or after 3 December 2004, with at least one of the parents being an Indian citizen and neither an illegal migrant.

Some applicants were also Tamils of Indian origin, carrying Indo-Sri Lanka passports issued under the 1964 and 1974 repatriation agreements.

“The Sri Lankan nationals have lived in the camps for over 30 years now. The Tamil Nadu government is extending support to integrate them locally and make them self-reliant. While explaining the benefits of acquiring citizenship, we are also assuring them of assistance in case they want to return to their home country. Nine people have obtained Indian citizenship in the last two years,” an official involved in the demographic assessment was quoted as saying by The Hindu.

As part of efforts to aid their legal and social integration, the Commissionerate has also launched an initiative to register the marriages of Sri Lankan Tamils.

About 898 couples, mainly from Ramanathapuram, Vellore, Tirunelveli, and Salem, have been identified and a two-day special camp will be held on 25 and 26 July for registering the marriages.

Inspector-General of Registration Dinesh Oliver Ponraj stated that Revenue Department officials would be involved to verify the claims of the applicants.

Sub-Registrars were told to register and issue marriage certificates on the same day.

This move, he explained, would facilitate the process of obtaining passports and other essential documents for the applicants.

Commissioner M Vallalar emphasised that the issuance of marriage certificates would play a crucial role in establishing the legal status of Sri Lankan Tamils applying for citizenship or travel documents.

He noted that this initiative would also help build confidence among the community, showing that the Tamil Nadu government was committed to improving their lives.

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