Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: In a bid to bolster internal security and regulate migration, the Uttar Pradesh government is reportedly considering a comprehensive framework to identify, profile, and deport illegal immigrants, including Rohingya refugees and individuals from Bangladesh. The plan, currently in the conceptual stage, envisages the creation of a detailed biometric database, coupled with advanced profiling mechanisms, to prevent the re-entry of such individuals once they are deported. Officials involved in planning the initiative emphasized that the approach would combine high-end technology with strict legal procedures to ensure a systematic and enforceable solution.

A senior state government official, speaking to PTI on condition of anonymity, explained that the proposed framework will make extensive use of facial recognition technology, fingerprint mapping, and advanced document-scanning systems. The objective is to verify identity claims of individuals suspected to be living illegally in Uttar Pradesh and trace how long they may have been residing in the state. According to the official, the initiative will also aim to create comprehensive profiles of those confirmed as illegal immigrants, combining biometric details with verification of all relevant documents, including Aadhaar-linked records, passports, voter IDs, and other identification credentials.

The Uttar Pradesh government has already issued directions for an intensive verification drive to identify illegal immigrants across the state. The drive is expected to involve coordinated efforts between the police, district administration, and intelligence agencies to systematically assess residency status, detect fraudulent documents, and identify networks facilitating illegal settlement. The state government is reportedly exploring the use of document forensics and digital cross-verification techniques to detect forged or manipulated identity records. This would not only help track illegal residents but also dismantle the organizations or individuals responsible for providing fraudulent documents.

An important component of the plan is the creation of a “negative list” of confirmed illegal immigrants. This registry would be maintained at the state level and potentially shared with central agencies and other states to ensure that those deported cannot re-enter India through alternative routes or by using recycled or forged documents. Officials indicated that the negative list would include biometric information, identity records, and other verified details to make it extremely difficult for individuals to evade detection.

Detention infrastructure is also likely to be upgraded as part of the plan. Sources suggested that the state may enhance security at detention centers housing illegal immigrants awaiting deportation. These centers would be designed to ensure both the safety of detainees and the prevention of any escape attempts. Decisions on locations, security mechanisms, and operational protocols are being finalized in consultation with district authorities and the central government, reflecting a multi-tiered approach to enforcement.

The proposed initiative follows a recent directive by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who emphasized the need for an intensive statewide verification drive to identify and deport illegal immigrants, particularly those suspected to have entered India unlawfully from Bangladesh or Myanmar. The chief minister highlighted the importance of coordinating with law enforcement, local administration, and intelligence agencies to ensure a comprehensive assessment and enforcement strategy. Officials said the drive would cover urban, semi-urban, and rural areas to ensure that illegal settlements are detected across all parts of the state.

A senior planning official noted that the emphasis of the initiative is not merely on identifying illegal residents, but also on holding accountable those who assist them in obtaining fraudulent documents. “The exercise is designed to fix responsibility and take strict action against individuals or organizations that facilitate illegal entry or residency through forged identification,” the official said.

The proposed biometric and profiling system is expected to incorporate cutting-edge technologies already being used in border security and law enforcement, including machine learning-based facial recognition and automated cross-referencing with government databases. By linking biometric details to a central repository, the state aims to ensure that individuals who are deported cannot exploit gaps in identity verification to return undetected.

Officials emphasized that the program will be implemented in strict adherence to legal frameworks and procedural norms. While the planning phase focuses on technical design and feasibility, the actual implementation will only proceed after ensuring that all legal, administrative, and human rights considerations are addressed. According to sources, the state government is consulting legal experts and central agencies to ensure that verification, profiling, and deportation processes comply with Indian law and international obligations.

In addition to enforcement, the initiative is expected to include measures for data security and privacy protection, given the sensitive nature of biometric information. Officials indicated that safeguards will be put in place to prevent misuse of personal data and ensure that it is used solely for purposes of migration enforcement and security.

The proposed model is also seen as potentially serving as a template for other states seeking to strengthen anti-infiltration measures. With migration and illegal settlement being a concern in multiple regions, the UP framework could provide a reference point for similar drives in states with large immigrant populations. Officials stressed that the goal is not only to remove illegal residents from Uttar Pradesh, but also to prevent future infiltration by creating a deterrent effect through strict monitoring and high-tech profiling.

Observers note that the initiative comes at a time when India is increasingly leveraging technology for governance and security, particularly in areas such as Aadhaar-based identification, border management, and law enforcement. By integrating biometric systems with digital verification and cross-checking against multiple government databases, the state government hopes to reduce loopholes that illegal immigrants may exploit.

While the plan is ambitious, officials acknowledge that operational challenges will need careful management. The process of identifying illegal immigrants in a populous state like Uttar Pradesh, which has a population exceeding 240 million, will require extensive manpower, coordination across agencies, and robust technological infrastructure. Training personnel to handle sensitive biometric data and manage verification systems will also be a crucial aspect of successful implementation.

The UP government has indicated that once finalized, the system will help ensure that illegal immigrants cannot settle permanently in the state. By combining biometric verification, document scanning, negative lists, and cross-state coordination, authorities hope to make it extremely difficult for individuals to evade deportation and return unnoticed.

In summary, the Uttar Pradesh government’s proposal to create a biometric database and hi-tech profiling system for illegal immigrants represents a comprehensive effort to address illegal settlement and migration in the state. By combining technology, enforcement, and legal safeguards, the plan aims to systematically identify, profile, and deport individuals residing unlawfully while preventing their re-entry. Officials stressed that the initiative would follow due process, protect rights, and serve as a model framework for other states facing similar challenges. With the focus on enhancing security, accountability, and governance, the proposed system underscores the state’s determination to address illegal immigration effectively and sustainably.