In the wake of an intensified police drive in Gurgaon to identify illegal migrants and verify tenant documentation, a noticeable exodus of migrant workers has begun across the city’s urban villages, industrial belts, and construction hubs. The drive, launched earlier this month, has sparked alarm among daily wage workers, many of whom are either undocumented or lack formal rental agreements—resulting in both confusion and fear of arbitrary detention.
What Triggered the Migrant Exodus in Gurgaon?
The Gurgaon police initiated the documentation campaign to identify foreign nationals living without proper papers, as well as Indian migrants without verified tenant records. The move, while intended to address illegal residency and bolster local safety, has had broader social consequences.
Large clusters of migrants from states like Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam are now seen vacating their homes—especially in densely populated areas like Sikanderpur, Chakkarpur, Nathupur, and Dundahera. In several cases, landlords have reportedly asked tenants to leave fearing police scrutiny, particularly where tenant verification was never done.
“We don’t have proper documents and our landlord is scared of police visits,” said Salim, a tailor from West Bengal. “So we decided to leave before trouble finds us.”
Widening Impact on Gurgaon’s Informal Economy
With Gurgaon’s construction sector, gig economy, and domestic labor ecosystem heavily dependent on migrant workers, this sudden outflow threatens to disrupt ongoing projects and household services. Labor contractors have raised alarms about potential labor shortages, especially with several high-rise projects and infrastructure works already running on tight timelines.
Daily wage workers and domestic help providers—many of whom function on verbal agreements—are among the worst hit. Several workers reported skipping work to avoid police checkpoints, further weakening income flows for families living hand-to-mouth.
Are the Police Only Targeting Foreign Nationals?
While the official directive was to identify foreign nationals without valid documents—such as expired visas or no entry stamps—the drive has broadened in implementation. In practice, many Indian nationals living in informal housing or slums are also being subjected to checks.
The lack of clarity has contributed to widespread confusion. According to police officials, this is part of a preventive security protocol ahead of upcoming national events and also intended to combat local criminal activity.
Tenant Verification and Landlord Compliance in Focus
Landlords are being reminded to complete mandatory tenant verification, a long-standing legal requirement in Haryana that is often overlooked. The Gurgaon police have urged them to register tenants at the local police stations or via the online verification portal.
Failure to do so can result in legal action under Section 188 of the IPC (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant). As a result, many landlords have proactively evicted tenants without documentation to avoid any potential legal complications.
Human Rights and Legal Concerns Raised
Several civil society groups and labor advocates have criticized the manner in which the campaign is being carried out. They argue that without a parallel system to support vulnerable migrants or legal aid mechanisms, such operations end up pushing poor workers into further marginalization.
“A verification drive that lacks safeguards can easily turn into harassment,” said Rajeev Thakur, a labor rights activist. “Many of these migrants are citizens who simply lack papers due to informal living arrangements.”
What Migrants and Landlords Need to Know
To avoid panic and unlawful evictions, Gurgaon police have released a clarification that no action will be taken against those who come forward voluntarily for verification. Workers and tenants are encouraged to:
- Visit the local police station or use the official online tenant verification platform
- Keep proof of employment and any rent receipts handy
- Connect with civil society groups or legal aid organizations in case of disputes
Landlords, on the other hand, are urged to:
- Use the official online portal to submit tenant details
- Maintain photocopies of IDs, rent agreements, and Aadhaar cards of tenants
- Avoid evictions without due process
Looking Ahead: Balancing Security and Worker Protection
As Gurgaon’s economy continues to grow, the city must walk a tightrope between maintaining urban security and protecting its essential migrant workforce. A well-structured tenant verification drive, supported by multilingual awareness campaigns and legal aid for workers, could achieve this balance.
Until then, the city risks alienating the very people who help it function daily—from house helps to factory laborers, delivery agents to construction workers.
FAQs
Why are migrant workers leaving Gurgaon suddenly?
Migrant workers are leaving due to an ongoing police drive to identify illegal tenants and undocumented residents. Many fear detention or eviction due to lack of papers or formal rent agreements.
Is the police drive in Gurgaon targeting Indian citizens or foreigners?
The drive is primarily focused on identifying undocumented foreign nationals. However, many Indian migrants living in informal housing are also being affected due to lack of tenant verification.
What is tenant verification and why is it important in Gurgaon?
Tenant verification is a legal process requiring landlords to register their tenants with the local police. It helps authorities track occupancy and prevent illegal activities. Failure to comply can lead to legal action under IPC Section 188.
Can landlords evict tenants without proper documentation?
No, landlords should follow due legal procedures. However, many are evicting undocumented tenants out of fear of police scrutiny, which can lead to unlawful displacement.
What should migrants and tenants do to avoid police action?
Tenants should get verified through the local police station or online portals, carry valid IDs or rent proof, and seek legal help if evicted without notice.