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Indian Diaspora Protest Against East African Immigration Bill

Sub title : Correspondence from East African Indian Representatives to the Government of India

Date of publication: 1948

Language: English

Page: 2.p

Source: National Archives of Pakistan

Serial no: 28483

Keyword: Indian Immigration -- East Africa -- Kenya -- Racial Discrimination -- Colonial Policy | Immigration Ordinance 1948 -- B.K. Jaffer -- Commonwealth Relations -- Diaspora Rights -- Settler Politics

Abstract: This is a formal letter dated 20 May 1948, from B.K. Jaffer, Chairman of a meeting of Inter-Territorial Representatives of East African Indians, addressed to the Indian Government's Commonwealth Relations Department. It protests the proposed "Immigration Control Ordinance 1948" published by East African governments. The letter outlines the historical context of European settler attempts to control Indian immigration since 1919, references the 1923 Devonshire Declaration against racial discrimination in immigration within the Empire, and criticizes the revival of restrictions in 1943 under wartime regulations. It highlights the hardships faced by the Indian community and seeks the intervention of the Government of India.

Description: This document is a plea for intervention from the newly independent Government of India on behalf of the Indian diaspora in East Africa. It frames the proposed immigration ordinance as a breach of long-standing imperial policy against racial discrimination and as part of a historical pattern of settler attempts to marginalize Indian communities. The letter underscores the role of the Government of India as a protector of overseas Indians—a role previously associated with figures like M.A. Jinnah in his earlier capacity as a leader of the All India Muslim League, which also advocated for the rights of Indians abroad. Page 2 appears to be blank or contains only technical metadata. SCANNED BY: NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF PAKISTAN.

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