MUMBAI: June is World Refugee Day.

So, how do Indians perceive refugees?

Ipsos global survey shows, it is a paradox – 65% Indians want victims of war and persecution to be given refuge and shelter in India and other parts of the world; but at least 64% Indians are averse to mass influx of refugees and we feel that we should close our borders to them – this sentiment is the strongest and the highest among Indians, vis-à-vis other markets covered in the survey.    

“This dilemma stems from India having to grapple with uninhibited exodus into the Eastern border, which has been a strain on the resources. Earlier on, even faced it in the Southern borders. At the same time, Indians have firmly stood with those victimized and have displayed their philanthropic side, when there have been glaring problems,” says, Parijat Chakraborty, Country Service Line Leader, Public Affairs, Customer Experience and Corporate Reputation, Ipsos India.

Why are refugees not welcome in India?

70 per cent of Indians feel that the mass influx of refugees is mostly for economic reasons – they feel that most of the refugees are poverty stricken and want to avail the welfare schemes in India. 

This fear is further exacerbated by another view expressed by Indians – 68% Indians feel that most refugees that come to India, will successfully integrate in the society.

“Government provides subsidy to economically weaker sections of society – so refugees can easily avail those with fake Identity-Cards. Also, those who come from neighbouring countries – whether Bangladesh, Myanmar or SriLanka – since they seem to look like locals, they have managed to easily merge in the society,” added Chakraborty.