India's rise of right-wing populism and religious majoritarianism has complicated the

situation. Many vulnerable people, including the Rohingya, are a security danger to the state
because of society's growing "otherization" and the increasing securing of Indian territory. 1

APPROACH OF INDIA’S VACCINATION POLICY TOWARD ROHINGYA

Significant effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been felt by the already susceptible
Rohingya refugee population in India. Due to the pandemic, they now have more trouble
getting access to basic needs and healthcare. The pandemic has also brought attention to and
made the socio-economic vulnerabilities and marginalization that Rohingya migrants face
worse in India. Because it is believed that they are virus carriers, they have experienced more
significant stigma and prejudice. As a result, there have been more instances of violence,
harassment, and hate speech directed at the Rohingya population.

The main issue Rohingya refugees in India are experiencing is their lack of legal status. The
Indian government labels many as "illegal immigrants," which makes it challenging for them
to obtain essential services like healthcare. 2 Without legal standing, it is frequently
challenging for them to enroll in government vaccination programs, and they might not have
the money to pay for expensive private healthcare. Despite their elevated risk of exposure to
the virus, the Indian government has not given the Rohingya community priority for COVID-
19 vaccination. 3
The recent move by the Indian government to exclude Rohingya refugees
from the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the Citizenship Amendment Act has also
sparked worries about their access to essential services like vaccinations and healthcare. As a
result of the CAA 2019, Rohingya refugees have been adversely affected. The CAA does not
include Rohingya refugees among the eligible groups for citizenship.4

1
“Refoulement, Rohingya and a Refugee Policy for India.” n.d. The Wire.
https://thewire.in/government/refoulement-rohingya-and-a-refugee-policy-for-india.
2
Sebastian, By Khushboo Sandhu and Meryl. “Rohingya and CAA: What Is India’s Refugee Policy?”
BBC News, August 19, 2022. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-62573446.
3
“Explained: On ‘Refugees’ and ‘Illegal Immigrants’, How India’s Stance Changes with Circumstances.” 2021.
The Indian Express. April 13, 2021. https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/on-refugees-and-illegal-
immigrants-how-indias-stance-changes-with-circumstances-7270883/.
4
“Can India Turn the Rohingya Crisis’ Tide?” n.d. Thediplomat.com. Accessed February 18, 2023.
https://thediplomat.com/2021/01/can-india-turn-the-rohingya-crisis-tide/.