Panaji: With Goa emerging as a model state for the swift repatriation of foreign victims trafficked to India, a national consultation held in the state has called for a uniform repatriation mechanism across the country based on the Goa model. Participants noted that Goa’s system not only ensures quicker repatriation but is also victim-friendly, with financial assistance from the state government helping to facilitate the process.
Anyay Rahit Zindagi (ARZ), a Goa-based organisation working against human trafficking since 1998, organised a one-day consultation titled ‘MILAAP – Repatriation of Foreign Victims Trafficked to India’ at the International Centre Goa, Dona Paula, recently.
According to the data, 30 foreign national victims of sex trafficking were rescued and subsequently repatriated to their countries during the period from 2020 to 2025. Most of the victims were from Kenya (10), followed by Bangladesh (8), Nepal (8), Uganda (2), Bhutan (1) and Uzbekistan (1).
ARZ founder and director Arun Pandey stated that Goa has developed several good practices in repatriating foreign national victims, including speedy inquiries, prompt magistrate orders and financial support from the Goa government for repatriation expenses, particularly for victims from Nepal and Bangladesh.
“The consultation recommended the adoption of a uniform repatriation procedure across India, the appointment of state nodal officers to coordinate with embassies, simplification of travel permit procedures, especially for Bangladeshi victims, digitisation of repatriation records, and stronger rehabilitation support in the victims’ home countries,” said Pandey.
Participants observed that Goa records one of the shortest repatriation timelines in the country. Around 50 participants attended the consultation, including government officials, police officers, child protection personnel and representatives of non-government organisations from Goa, Maharashtra and West Bengal. The consultation was supported by ECPAT Luxembourg.
During the panel discussions, representatives from Goa, Maharashtra and West Bengal shared their experiences regarding repatriation procedures, inter-agency coordination and challenges faced in cross-border trafficking cases. Speakers from Goa included Superintendent of Police (Anti Human Trafficking Unit) Nutan Vernekar, Superintendent of State Protective Home Sumedha Belgaonkar, and Juliana Lohar, Deputy Director, ARZ.
‘Stayed at govt protective home for three months’
PANAJI: A notable feature of the consultation was the sharing of experiences by two trafficking survivors from Bangladesh and Kenya through recorded voice messages, highlighting the importance of timely and dignified repatriation.
The survivor from Bangladesh recounted how she was brought to India after crossing the border and was later rescued with the help of the police and a non-government organisation. She said she stayed for three months at a government protective home before being repatriated.
“The police and an NGO helped me return home. I stayed there for three months at the government protective home. I was taught some work skills,” she said.
Another survivor, who was repatriated to Kenya, said she had been a victim of commercial sex trafficking after being lured to India with the promise of employment. “I came to India in 2024 after being convinced by a fellow Kenyan that I would work as a waitress in a hotel. When I came to India, my pimp, who was a Kenyan woman, ordered me to engage in prostitution,” the survivor said. She alleged that she was threatened and coerced into the trade after her passport and documents were taken away.
“She told me that if I did not do the work, I would have to pay her ₹5.5 lakh. She took my passport and documents and threatened me. She said that if I did not work, she would call people to beat me up. So I had to do that work,” the survivor said.
