Archive · 11 Aug 2025
Mizoram Struggles with Refugee Biometric Data Collection
Imagine a program to collect fingerprints and other information from people who came to Mizoram from Myanmar and Bangladesh.
This is called biometric data collection.
The process started in late July but is moving slowly.
Out of thousands of refugees, only a few have had their information recorded.
There are problems like broken equipment and bad internet, especially in remote areas.
One district with many refugees, Champhai, has barely started because of these issues.
Officials are working to fix the problems so they can collect the data more efficiently.
Mizoram's biometric data collection for refugees from Myanmar and Bangladesh is progressing slowly.
Only 1,947 refugees have had their biometric data collected as of Friday evening.
The enrolment process began in late July and is taking place across 11 districts.
Challenges include technical glitches with devices and poor internet connectivity.
Champhai district, which hosts the most refugees, has enrolled only seven individuals due to technical difficulties.
- Who
- Refugees from Myanmar and Bangladesh.
- What
- Biometric data collection for refugees from Myanmar and Bangladesh.
- When
- Started in late July and ongoing as of August 11th.
- Where
- Mizoram, across 11 districts.
- Why
- To identify and register refugees.
- Total Refugees Sheltered
- Around 32,000 from Myanmar, 3,000 from Bangladesh
- Biometric Data Collected (as of Aug 11)
- 1,947 refugees
- Start Date
- Late July
- Districts Involved
- 11
- Primary Challenges
- Technical glitches and poor internet connectivity
- District with Most Refugees
- Champhai