There are illegal immigrants in Kerala as well, most from this country

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Reports of illegal immigrants are rampant in other states, but not so much in Kerala. However, there are foreigners in Kerala who came to India illegally. There are 29 people, including women and children, living in the transit home in Kollam where such people are accommodated. This includes those who are awaiting documents from the embassy to return home after being sentenced for illegal entry.

Most of these people hails from Bangladesh, India's neighbouring country on the northeastern border. Three women and children from Sri Lanka are housed in Pathanapuram in Kollam. Transit home in Kollam started functioning two years ago as per the directive of the High Court. After this, five people have been sent back home.

Officials said that the suspects in drug cases, those who came to India with fake passports, Sri Lankans who were caught trying to enter abroad, Buddhists from Bangladesh and others were among them. Nationalities in transit centre: Nigeria 5, El Salvador 1, Sri Lanka 11, Bangladesh 9, Afghanistan 1, Maldives 1, Venezuela 1.

Among them, Nigerians and El Salvador nationals are accused in drug cases. A large number of Bangladeshi nationals have entered India using fake passports. Sri Lankans come to Kerala to travel to Canada.

Sri Lankan women living in a private shelter in Pathanapuram have also come to Kerala to go to Canada.

The details of those whose cases have been closed will be communicated to the respective countries' embassies. After getting the permission of various investigative agencies and embassies in India, they will be sent back to their own country. The centre was started after Nigerian citizens approached the court.

Officials said that the process of constructing its own building for the transit centre has started. The plan is to build a flat complex on the site of the jail department. Earlier the centre was in Thrissur. The illegal immigrants are hosted in a rented building in Kollam from November 2022.