Representative picture. | Photo Credit: Getty Images/Istockphoto
India Embassy in Guatemala has identified the problem of Indian nationals illegally entering Central American countries to migrate to Mexico and subsequently to the United States.
The embassy that responded to a set of questions raised under the Pravo Information Act said that the unlawful entry of Indian nationals into Guatemala, Salvador and Honduras was a “complex problem” as a journey to the United States.
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Whenever migrants are without a visa or evidence of the legal entry into Guatemala by local police, the embassy officials help desperate Indians, provide interpretation and take care of their well -being, the public information officer said.
Illegal entry
The embassy did not provide specific data in response to the RTI question about the number of Indians deported from various prisons and retention centers in Central America and steps taken by embassy against trading in India to Central America.
Pio said that one Indian was held at the detention center of Guatemala for eight years for accusing people trading. After the intervention of the embassy was released and in September 2022 was sent back to India. Another Indian was arrested in March 2023 to enter the Salvador illegally enroute into the United States. The embassy took steps to release and deport to India in June 2023.
Another Indian died on the Guatemalan border on March 8, 2023, while on his way to the illegal entry into the US, and was buried by the local authority as an anonymous body. After receiving information from his family in India, his body was exhumed in coordination with local administration and deadly remains sent to his family in July 2023 for cremation according to religious rituals.
Cultural event
Pio said in India, who said there was no shelter in India, said the mission was opened in 2011 with very little consular services. Although the Indian diaspora is very small in Guatemala, Salvador Salvador and Honduras, which all fall under the jurisdiction of the embassy, Indian cultural programs and festivals, especially for Diwali and Holi, were carried out using local organizations.
In 2023, the embassy organized more than 100 cultural and commercial events along the entire length and width of Guatemala. The visibility and image of India were strengthened by organizing a number of cultural events not only in the capital, but in all parts of the country. On June 18, 2023, the embassy organized the largest yoga festival in Central America with the participation of more than 2,000 people.
Published – September 2025 22:14 is
