Indian Nationals Detained in France: 303 Passengers Await Fate in Airport Limbo
French authorities are holding 303 passengers, mainly of Indian nationality, at Chalons-Vatry airport over suspected “human trafficking.” The plane, originating from Dubai en route to Nicaragua, was detained on Thursday. Hearings on Sunday will determine whether the passengers, currently in the airport’s waiting area, will remain detained.
Vatry airport, situated 150 km east of Paris, is being prepared as a makeshift courtroom. French border police can detain a foreign national for up to four days upon landing, extendable to 26 days in exceptional circumstances. Urgency arises due to the 96-hour limit for holding foreigners in a waiting zone, prompting the judge of freedoms and detention to decide their fate. The Indian embassy is working with the French government for the welfare of Indians, with consular staff present.
The situation involves 11 unaccompanied minors, with six seeking asylum in France. The A340 aircraft, operated by Legend Airlines, carried 303 Indians likely employed in the UAE. Authorities suspect a plan to reach Central America for illegal entry into the United States or Canada. An anonymous tip on potential human trafficking prompted an investigation by the National Jurisdiction for the Fight against Organized Crime (JUNALCO).
On Thursday, two passengers were taken into police custody for suspected involvement in human trafficking, a crime punishable by up to twenty years in prison and three million euros in fines. Legend Airlines denies trafficking involvement and is ready to cooperate for a swift resolution and the plane’s departure.
