1. Introduction:

Illegal Migration has gained the attention of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). In 2023, IOM reported the death of 8,565 migrants on both land and sea routes, a disturbing increase of near 20% from the previous year. The data was monitored through the "Missing Migrants" project initiated back in 2014.

2. The International Organization for Migration (IOM):

   - Originated in 1951 post World War II disruptions, IOM evolved from the Provisional Intergovernmental Committee for the Movement of Migrants from Europe (PICMME).

   - It underwent name changes reflecting its evolution as a migration agency and became a related organisation with the United Nations in 2016.

   - Currently, it includes 175 Member States and 8 states with observer status. India became a member state on 18th June 2008.

   - Notably, IOM has responded to various global crises such as Hungary in 1956, Chile in 1973, the Asian tsunami and Pakistan earthquake in 2004/2005, among others.

3. Threat to India's Security Due to Illegal Trans-Border Migration:

   - Rampant Illegal migration has led to periodic clashes among citizens and migrants, undermining the rule of law, and compromising their constitutional rights.

   - Illegal activities of migrants include fraudulent acquisition of identity cards, unauthorised voting, trans-border smuggling, militant organisation formation, and more, disturbing peace and order.

   - Drastic rise in human trafficking and increase in militancy because of the impact on the existing Muslim community in the regions such as Assam.

   - Infiltration by Islamic terrorists, adding an alarming dimension to India’s security problem.

4. Factors Promoting Illegal Immigration:

   - Political Factors: Discriminatory land laws, riots, and wars in countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan have been significant reasons for the dislocation of Hindus to India.

   - Religious Discrimination: Manipulation of land laws by vested interest groups and corrupt administrators to dispossess Hindus from Bangladesh.

   - Population Growth: A growing population demands more resources and when the resource distribution becomes unequal, it leads people to migrate to other lands.

   - Stagnated Economic Growth and Joblessness: Slow industrial growth in comparison to the growing labour force makes people look for other locations with potential employment opportunities.

   - Porous Borders: Indian borders shared with Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan are long and varied, which poses a challenge to management and control of illegal immigration.

To sum up, the escalating numbers of global migrant deaths in 2023 shed light on the intricate complexities of international migration policies. Illegal migration, owing to numerous socio-political and economic reasons, is a pressing global issue that requires collaborative global efforts for resolution.