They risked their lives to reach the shores of India when the conflict between the rebels and army simmered in Sri Lanka. Seven years after the war ended, the journey back is not as dangerous, but equally arduous, as many of them now realise now. Little wonder then that the desperate ones are willing to undertake the risk of crossing the sea illegally.

A Lankan Tamil refugee who wished to return had to submit several documents sought by police and immigration officials. “When approached for a clearance certificate, the police asked for ID and address proofs of not just the refugee, but of the house owner, besides reference letters from two neighbours. How can a refugee arrange these things?” asked M Vijay, a Lankan Tamil who has been in Tamil Nadu for the past few years.

These instructions make it difficult for them to get a house on rent. “The owner has to produce their documents and answer questions posed by the police. Which house owner will be willing to undergo this? ” asked S Nadesalingam, a refugee.

Refugees alleged that officials demand Rs 1,000 for a police clearance certificate. The other big hurdle is dealing with the immigration department. “They have introduced online application for visas, but in the case of a refugee, the application should come from the house owner, who should attach his ID and address proofs,” said G Gnanaraja, a refugee who came here in 1986.

Not many know how to check e-mails and only a few are willing to give refugees the reference letter authorities demand. Another stipulation is producing a birth certificate, which is nearly impossible for some of the elderly refugees, he said, adding that refugees should pay a fine of Rs 4,500 a year for overstay.

This fee was only Rs 300 per year till 2013, added C Vijidharan, a refugee. “This, along with police and immigration red-tape, forces refugees to turn to illegal traffickers,” he said. Many refugees told Express they wanted to return home. “The last few decades were a bitter experience; but I love my country. Like me, nearly half of the refugees from Lanka want to return. We don’t want to overstay, but are unable to move out due to the documents that are sought,” said one of them.

Those who are unable to arrange the documents often pay a big price. M Viji, a refugee, narrated the ordeal of his relative Franklin, who was living in Chennai. “About a week ago, he was deported for overstaying. Now he cannot come back for five years. Who will take care of his wife and children here?” he asked.

Every month, about 100 refugees apply for visa to return, but only about 20 are cleared, added Nadesalingam. “The rest have to wait a minimum of 5 to 6 months,” said  Nadesalingam, who has been waiting for three months.

N Kamalakaran (55), ferried here in a ship of the Indian forces in 1990, is one of them. His children completed their studies here, but are still refugees. “I wish to see my native, but if I go, I may not be able to return for five years. Who will take care of my family?” Kamalakaran said.

(The New Indian Express)