Surge in Illegal Immigration in Coastal Karnataka: A Growing Concern

The coastal Karnataka region, especially Udupi, is witnessing a sharp rise in illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Nigeria, as well as internal migrants from states like Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal. These individuals often secure employment in various sectors, yet local police have not been thoroughly verifying their documents, leading to significant community concerns. Residents are demanding more stringent immigration checks and police investigations to address the issue.

The coastal region of Karnataka, particularly Udupi, is facing a notable increase in the number of illegal immigrants from countries such as Bangladesh and Nigeria. These individuals are reportedly infiltrating the area through unlawful channels and securing employment across various sectors. Predominantly, immigrants hail from states like Bihar, Odisha, Assam, and West Bengal, and they find work as daily wage laborers in construction, salons, spas, and even the fishing industry. Notably, many street food vendors, fishermen, and textile shop employees are suspected to be undocumented migrants. Upon inquiry regarding their origins, they often declare themselves as residents of Bihar, Odisha, Delhi, Assam, or West Bengal. However, the local law enforcement agencies have exhibited a lax approach to document verification, presuming the authenticity of these individuals’ claims. This oversight has fostered an environment where illegal immigrants can reside without apprehension. Recently, certain illegal immigrants apprehended by authorities professed to be from Assam; nevertheless, officials harbor suspicions regarding their true origins, with indications that they might actually be from Bangladesh. It has been reported that many of these immigrants possess counterfeit Aadhaar cards and ration cards to further disguise their status. In response to the mounting issue, local residents have called for more stringent scrutiny of immigration documents and thorough police investigations to address the surge of illegal immigrants in their community.

The rise of illegal immigration in coastal Karnataka, especially in Udupi, has become an increasingly pressing concern. Various factors contribute to this situation, including socio-economic disparities and the search for employment opportunities in more prosperous regions. Immigrants are drawn to Karnataka due to the demand for labor in industries such as construction and fishing, alongside informal work in street vending. However, the lack of rigorous document verification by local authorities has compounded the issue, allowing undocumented migrants to thrive without adequate oversight.

In conclusion, the significant inflow of illegal immigrants from countries including Bangladesh and Nigeria into coastal Karnataka, particularly Udupi, raises critical questions about immigration enforcement and community safety. The prevalent lack of systematic verification of their documents not only undermines local law enforcement efforts but also heightens concerns among residents regarding the implications of allowing illegal immigration to persist unchecked. There is a strong call from the community for enhanced police action and verification practices to mitigate this growing issue.

Original Source: newskarnataka.com