New York, USA – Sept. 08,2025 – The US Tamil Diaspora warmly welcomes the Indian Government’s recent order under the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) Order, 2025, which confirms protection for Sri Lankan Tamils who sought shelter in India after fleeing war and persecution.
For decades, Tamils escaping genocide and state violence in Sri Lanka crossed into Tamil Nadu and other parts of India, often without passports, visas, or documents. They arrived as survivors, not as migrants. Too often, however, they were categorized as “foreigners” and lived in fear of deportation.
The new order ensures that:
- Registered Sri Lankan Tamils who entered India before January 9, 2015 are exempt from penalties related to lack of passports, visas, or travel documents.
- Families and individuals who fled Sri Lanka during the height of conflict will not be criminalized for their survival.
- India recognizes their plight as one of displacement and human suffering, not unlawful migration.
This is more than a legal exemption—it is a humanitarian affirmation that Sri Lankan Tamils are to be treated with dignity and recognized as survivors of war.
The US Tamil Diaspora thanks the Government of India for this compassionate step, in line with Tamil Nadu’s tradition of sheltering the oppressed. At the same time, we urge India to take further steps:
- Provide a path to permanent residency and citizenship for long-staying Tamil refugees.
- Guarantee access to education, healthcare, and livelihoods, so that families can live with dignity and without fear.
Sri Lankan Tamils crossed into India not seeking wealth, but seeking life itself. This order is a reminder that true justice begins with the recognition of humanity.
US Tamil Diaspora
New York, USA
Thank you,
Tamil Diaspora News,
Sept 08, 2025
