India

As of 31 January 2022, more than 46,000 refugees and asylum-seekers are registered with UNHCR India, mainly from Myanmar and Afghanistan.

Refugees and asylum-seekers in India primarily live in urban settings alongside host communities. 46% of the refugees are women and girls, and 36% are children.

India has been hosting varied refugee groups for decades and has found solutions for many forcibly displaced persons. UNHCR supports the efforts of the Government and its people in assisting refugees across 11 states, working closely with varied stakeholders, including line ministries, community groups, and NGOs.

UNHCR focuses on protection needs and conducts registration and RSD, promoting solutions and self-reliance. As of date, 17,933 Sri Lankan refugees returned voluntarily with UNHCR’s assistance (based on UNHCR records from 2002 to February 2022).

The UNHCR India office covers the Maldives, where it works closely on capacity-building efforts, inclusion, and the international protection needs of those forced to flee.