Uprooted Twice: Resettled Bhutanese Refugees Deported from the USA and Expelled from Bhutan
Photo Source: Bhutanese News
March 29, 2025 – In a deeply troubling development, the United States has deported ten Bhutanese citizens who were originally evicted from Bhutan in the 1990s. These individuals, after spending years in refugee camps in Nepal, had been resettled in the USA under the UNHCR resettlement program. However, following their forced return, they landed at Bhutan’s Paro Airport on March 27, 2025.
Upon arrival, Bhutanese officials reportedly received them warmly, offering temporary shelter and basic assistance for one night. However, the following day, on March 28, Bhutanese authorities informed them that since they had no immediate family in Bhutan—despite their parents being former Bhutanese citizens—they were not allowed to remain in the country.
In a swift and distressing move, Bhutanese authorities transported all ten individuals to Jaigaon, a bordering town in India, where they were expelled without support. Indian security forces then moved them further to Panitanki, a town on the India-Nepal border.
Among the ten deportees, three individuals—Roshan Tamang, Asish Subedi, and Santosh Darji—attempted to enter Nepal but were denied entry by Nepalese border authorities as they lacked valid travel documents. Out of desperation, they resorted to bribing locals to cross into Nepal illegally. Eventually, they managed to reach a Bhutanese refugee camp in Nepal on the evening of March 28.
As of now, all three individuals have been arrested by Nepalese police and are being held at the Damak police station. The fate and whereabouts of the remaining seven deportees remain unknown, causing deep concern within the entire Bhutanese community. Their safety and well-being are uncertain, raising alarm among human rights advocates and international agencies.
This incident has intensified concerns over Bhutan’s treatment of its former citizens. Despite once recognizing them as Bhutanese, the government’s decision to expel them yet again has left them stateless. Critics argue that such actions starkly contradict Bhutan’s international image of promoting Gross National Happiness while failing to uphold basic human rights and dignity.
Humanitarian organizations and the international community are expected to raise urgent appeals for justice and clarity on the future of these displaced individuals.
