The Central government has told the Supreme Court that it is not possible to collect data of illegal migrants living in various parts of the country as entry of foreign nationals is clandestine and surreptitious.

In its affidavit filed in the apex court which is examining the constitutional validity of section 6A of the Citizenship Act relating to illegal immigrants in Assam, the Centre said 17,861 people have been granted citizenship under the provision.

The affidavit stated that a total of 14,346 foreigners were deported from the country between 2017 and 2022, due to reasons like overstay, visa violation, illegal entry etc. While 17,861 migrants who had entered Assam between January 1966 and March 1971 were given Indian citizenship.

“Illegal migrants enter into the country without valid travel documents in a clandestine and surreptitious manner. The detection, detention, and deportation of such illegally staying foreign nationals is a complex ongoing process. It is not possible to collect accurate data of such illegal migrants staying in various parts of the country,” the affidavit said.

The Centre said 100 foreigners tribunal are presently working in Assam and as on October 31, 2023, more than 3.34 lakh cases have been disposed of and still 97, 714 as on October 31. It said the number of cases pending before the Gauhati High Court, arising from the orders of the Foreigners Tribunal are 8,461 as on December 1, 2023.

On December 7, the top court directed the Centre to provide data on the number of Bangladeshi immigrants granted Indian citizenship in Assam between January 1, 1966 and March 25, 1971. It had also asked the Centre to inform it about the steps taken to deal with illegal immigration into India, particularly the North Eastern states.

Section 6A of the Citizenship Act relates to illegal immigrants in Assam.