Paper Details

Following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, numerous individuals left the conflict-ridden nation, even though India lacked a legal framework, both domestically and internationally, outlining their protection. In this paper, we will explore the complex dynamics of refugee policies in India and their subsequent impact on the social-economic integration of Afghan refugees. This paper examines the experiences of Afghan refugees, both non-Muslim and Muslim, residing predominantly in Lajpat Nagar, Bhogal, and Malviya Nagar in India. In an increasingly volatile geopolitical situation, this affects those affected by displacement. Within this context, we examine India’s hosting of Afghan refugees beginning with examining the policies put in place and assessing their impact on these individuals’ assimilation into the Indian society as well as livelihoods. A synthesis of existing knowledge is conducted through a comprehensive literature review that identifies gaps our study attempts to fill. Therefore, this research includes qualitative methods encompassing a literature review focusing on India through desk-based analysis of historical and refugee studies. Additionally ethnographic research was done with walking tours of refugee’s settlement areas and observing daily economic and social activities. The core problem addressed in our study is the interplay between bureaucratic practices and refugees’ everyday lives. We will focus on socio-economic dimensions of integration so as to give an insight into how policies shape real lives. This last part gives some insights about ways forward for policy makers, humanitarian organizations, scholars etc., when trying to reduce barriers to fostering a more inclusive society for former refugees or asylum seekers. In the face of growing uprooting around the world, this study offers a detailed investigation into the special position of displaced Afghans in Indian social structure and economy, filling up gaps in our understanding of refugee assimilation trends.

Refugees, Asylum Seekers, Displacement Dynamics, Socio-Economic Integration