The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has published a 114-page research report, analysing the political and socioeconomic consequences of illegal immigration to India’s National Capital.
The report titled ‘Illegal Immigrants to Delhi: Analysing Socioeconomic and Political Consequences’ was prepared by a team led by Professors Manuradha Chaudhary and Preeti D Das.
As per 2016 estimates, there are more than 1.5 crore illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in India. Their overwhelming presence in the bordering States and the National Capital poses certain threats.
JUST IN | JNU report reveals a surge in illegal #Bangladeshi and #Rohingya settlements in Delhi, warns of rapid demographic changes in the capital.#ILLEGALimmigrant #Bangladesh pic.twitter.com/yuwezQS1ls
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) February 3, 2025
“The large influx of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh in recent decades has already led to significant economic, social, and security
challenges for India. This has been especially evident in the border states, where such shifts have fuelled tensions between the local population and the growing number of outsiders.” (Page 9 of the report)
The study was conducted in 20 areas of Delhi, which are hubs of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. These hotspots include Seelampur, Jamia Nagar, Zakir Nagar, Lajpat Nagar, Kailash Nagar, Khichripur, Sarai Kale Khan, Sultanpuri, Mustafabad, Nizamuddin, Sarai Rohilla, Jafrabad, Shahdara, Bhalswa Dairy, Bawana, Dwarka, Rohini, Moti Nagar, and Govindpuri.
It found, “In 1951, Hindus comprised 84.16% of the population, which declined slightly to 81.68% by 2011, indicating a gradual decrease in their proportional share. Conversely, the Muslim population increased significantly from 5.70% in 1951 to 12.86% in 2011, reflecting a substantial rise in their demographic presence over the six decades. This shift suggests changes in migration patterns, birth rates, and socio-economic factors influencing religious demographics in Delhi.” (Page 35 of the report)
The study pointed out that the drastic rise in the Muslim population was due to factors such as high fertility rates and migration trends.
How Bangladeshis and Ronhigyas come to Delhi
The report published by JNU pointed out that illegal immigrants from both Bangladesh and Myanmar enter India through porous borders in West Bengal, Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura.
“The border areas are difficult to police entirely, which allows for easier unauthorised entry,” it added. (Page 39 of the report)
Thereafter, the infiltrators move to metropolitan cities such as Delhi wherein they can find employment in construction, domestic work, street vending and other sectors.
“Illegal migration from Bangladesh and Myanmar to Delhi typically involves crossing borders without the necessary documentation, entering the informal economy, and creating a range of social, legal, and security challenges. Driven by economic struggles or persecution, these migrants find themselves trapped in a cycle of crime,” the report stated.
It pointed out that illegal immigrants often travel alone and later facilitate the infiltration of others in India’s National Capital. Brokers, agents and an extensive network of relatives and friends help them find temporary housing and job opportunities.
Page 42 of the report states, “One of the most prevalent patterns is the family-first strategy, where one family member, typically male, migrates first to secure employment and housing, effectively laying the groundwork for other family members to join later.“
The study observed another emerging trend of the influx of women immigrants from rural areas of Bangladesh to Delhi, adding to the informal and black economy of India’s National Capital.
The study found that the majority of Rohingyas and illegal Bangladeshis first stayed in West Bengal before heading towards Delhi. Assam, Jharkhand and Tripura are other States where infiltrators reside before moving to India’s National Capital.
Professors Manuradha Chaudhary and Preeti D Das also found that a majority of the infiltrators surveyed during the study, stayed in Delhi for 1 to 5 years.
The study highlighted the importance of religious festivals like Eid and Muharram for community building among illegal immigrants.
“Religious events and family gatherings play a significant role in reinforcing these connections. Celebrations such as Eid, Muharram, and other family occasions serve as important opportunities for migrants to interact with people from similar backgrounds, strengthening the sense of community and belonging in the city,” the report stated. (Page 49 of the report).
It highlighted that infiltrators from Bangladesh and Myanmar enjoy support from unregistered NGOs, religious groups and politicians.
Impact of illegal immigration on Delhi
The large-scale influx of infiltrators is disrupting social cohesion and draining the resources of India’s National Capital.
“The presence of illegal migrants often exerts a considerable strain on public resources, as their limited financial integration and lack of asset ownership create dependencies on already stretched public systems,” the report stated (Page 65).
They have formed dense, overcrowded settlements in Seelampur, Jamia Nagar, Zakir Nagar, Sultanpuri, Mustafabad, Jafrabad, Dwarka, and Govindpuri. These unauthorised colonies have expanded rapidly over the years.
Delhi, which was already facing challenges in water supply, housing and sanitation, became overburdened with the influx of Rohingyas and Bangladeshis. These infiltrators have a large presence in ecologically sensitive areas of the National Capital.
“The notion that illegal immigrants may serve as a key voting bloc has spurred considerable debate, with allegations that certain political
figures may disregard their illegal status in exchange for electoral support. This phenomenon, though often difficult to substantiate with concrete evidence, is reflected in various anecdotal accounts and investigative reports that suggest complicity between local officials and
undocumented migrant groups,” Page 89 of the report stated.
The illegal immigrants have maintained a network of brokers, agents and Islamic preachers, who in turn help them with housing and employment. Most of them work in the informal sector and their increased presence in the labour market has led to lower wages.
This is evident in many sectors like domestic work and construction. Public services, which are meant for Indian citizens, are overburdened due to Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators. This is true for clinics, hospitals and schools.
The study by JNU found that illegal immigrants are increasingly involved in smuggling, human trafficking, forgery and other illegal activities. They continue to pose severe security threats for Delhities and the police alike.
As such, law enforcement authorities have now stepped up their efforts to identify and deport Bangladeshis and Rohingyas to their home country. Due to increasing political patronage of such ‘minority vote banks’, action against illegals is often met with resistance.
The JNU study noted that the absence of accurate data on Bangladeshis and Rohingyas, the easy access to forged documents and disputes between the Centre and the State government have complicated the process of developing a clear policy and line of action on infiltrators residing in Delhi.
Page 92 of the report concluded, “A well-rounded, balanced approach is essential—one that addresses the root causes of illegal immigration strengthens border security, improves identification mechanisms, and ensures fair treatment for immigrants.”
