There are around 40,000 Rohingya refugees in India. The majority refugees came from the outbreak of violence in 2012 in Myanmar. The Rohingya exodus have presented a complex image of determination and strong will in the face of adversities. Many of the refugees entered India through Bangladesh and are fluent in Bengali. Currently there is free movement between members of the community and the host states.

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The free movement allows the refugee population to live in hybrid states as members of hostels and universities but still members of the camp. The time spent in educational establishments is a bridge from the refugee camp into wider society.

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Within the camps there is a grim picture of income. The majority of the camp are dependent on aid there is a growing population who are denied access from the mainstream education system. The jobs in the camp range from manual child labour to rag picking. 

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The progression of some of the refugees into developing networks of social protection depends largely on their access to clean water and healthcare, progression in the mainstream education system and establishing a stable income. These are challenges that must be tackled urgently.