In a significant step toward streamlining refugee data management, the Mizoram government is set to launch a large-scale biometric and demographic data collection drive covering over 35,000 Myanmar nationals currently taking refuge in the state.
A senior official from the Home Department confirmed on Sunday that the enrolment process will begin in the last week of July, using the Centre’s Foreigner Identification Portal—a digital platform designed for the registration of foreign nationals.
The initiative, sanctioned with an initial grant of Rs 38 lakh from the Central Government, comes amid a fresh wave of refugees entering the state following intensified conflict between Chin armed groups in Myanmar. Over 3,000 Myanmar nationals reportedly crossed into Mizoram just this week, seeking shelter in relief camps or with relatives.
“All Myanmar nationals who entered Mizoram since the political and armed unrest in 2021—including those fleeing violence in Chin-dominated areas—will be included in this exercise,” the official said. The data collection will begin in towns and villages with reliable internet connectivity, while offline methods will be adopted in remote and hilly regions where digital access is limited.
Districts to oversee implementation
District administrations, led by Deputy Commissioners, will supervise the operation and will be equipped with the necessary manpower and tools to ensure efficient execution. Authorities also confirmed that additional financial assistance will be provided if required as the drive progresses.
Champhai district, which shares a porous border with Myanmar, currently houses the highest number of refugees. Most of the displaced individuals belong to the Chin ethnic group, which shares strong cultural and ethnic ties with the native Mizo population.
Officials say the exercise is aimed at building a comprehensive refugee database to facilitate better aid distribution, enhance security monitoring, and ensure compliance with national protocols on the presence of foreign nationals.
With Mizoram continuing to serve as a humanitarian corridor for those fleeing instability in Myanmar, the biometric registration drive marks a crucial step in both relief coordination and governance.