Why in news?
Eight members of Karnataka’s Hakki Pikki tribal community became stranded in the Central African nation of Chad after their visas expired. Local authorities seized their passports and demanded hefty fines, leaving them in legal limbo. Their families and community leaders have appealed to the Indian government for assistance.
Background
The Hakki Pikki are a small tribal community in Karnataka whose name translates to “bird catchers.” They traditionally travel abroad to sell herbal medicines and ornaments. In this case, eight traders from Davanagere, Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts travelled to Chad’s capital N’Djamena in early 2025 to sell herbal products. They applied to extend their visas before expiry, but officials reportedly delayed processing.
Details of the incident
- Visa expiry and penalties: The traders’ visas expired on 22 December 2025. Immigration officials then demanded fines reportedly around ₹1.5 lakh per person to renew the visas. When the group could not pay, authorities confiscated their passports and threatened imprisonment.
- Lack of support: According to reports, the Indian embassy advised them to pay the fines. Community leaders accused officials of negligence, noting that the traders had sought extension well in advance.
- Appeal for help: Stranded without travel documents and facing arrest, the traders released a video appealing to the Indian government. The Karnataka Hakki Pikki Tribal Association also urged Members of Parliament to intervene diplomatically.
- Past incidents: This is not the first time Hakki Pikki traders have faced trouble abroad. During the 2023 conflict in Sudan, more than 150 members were trapped and later evacuated to India under Operation Kaveri.
The incident highlights the vulnerabilities of itinerant traders from marginalised communities when they navigate foreign legal systems. Ensuring timely consular assistance and better awareness of visa rules can help prevent such crises.
Source: HANS
