India is a large country with a population of one billion people and is bursting with economic development. Most of the people (80%) are Hindu, a minority are Muslim and only 2 % are Chistian. Hindi is the most widely spoken language and is the primary tongue of 41% of the people. There are also 14 other official languages in the country and many more dialects.

Voluntary return from Belgium to India has been happening for years, but the Indians are not among the highest number of returnees. The returnees who contact Caritas International Belgium with a need for extra reintegration assistance are mostly from the regions of Punjab or Gujarat. Often they are men and willing to start a business in India.

Caritas India or "Catholic Charities India (CCI)" formed on 1st October 1962. It was established to assist the Church in India in efforts to eradicate poverty, help with relief and rehabilitation in times of disasters and organize communities for self advancement. During the last four decades of its humanitarian and development efforts, Caritas India has served the poor and marginalized, without any distinction of social class, creed and ethnicity.

The primary thrust of Caritas India is empowerment of people through formation of community organizations. Hence community educative programs are a priority. With such ideals, Caritas India supports programs as educative programs, promotional programs, decentralization programs and community based rehabilitation programs.

The reintegration of returnees with the assistance of Caritas India has taken place since 2008, with an average of 5 returnees per year assisted by Caritas. They return in general to the regions of Gujarat and Punjab. They have been well assisted by the regional branches of Caritas India. Mostly they have started generating income by farming or a shop, supported by the funds of Caritas International Belgium.

Father Antony Madassery is assisting returnees in Jalandhar and Amritsar. Father Joseph and his staff of Kaira Social Service Society is assisting returnees in Gujarat.

Mr Singh returned to Ahmedabad in August 2008. After his return, he met the director of the local branch of Caritas India several times and he has also been in touch with the educational coordinator of this branch. The staff tell us that is was very painful to listen to his story because Mr Singh was not accepted by his family. Caritas India talked with both the father and family members, and with Mr Singh, in order to get him reintegrated in his family.  

He has planned to buy a computer and his friend has assured him to provide work for his Desk Top Publishing (DTP), and Data Entry Operation. Caritas Belgium was able to finance this work equipment and Mr Singh now has found a job and an income.

For any question concerning reintegration in India, please contact :

Stefanie Duysens

+32 2 211 10 52

s.duysens@caritasint.be