Dharamshala: Reports coming from Tibet indicate a rising number of Covid infections among Tibetans in all three traditional provinces of Tibet (Kham, U-Tsang, and Amdo). With the rising number of Covid cases inside Tibet, those Tibetans who have returned to Tibet from India and Nepal seem to be facing particularly more challenges as a result.

The Citizenship Identification Card (Shen Fen Zheng) and Household Registration (Hukuo) of Tibetans who returned to Tibet from India and Nepal were earlier revoked and were not given permission to renew. As a result, these Tibetans had to face a lot of hardships in terms of livelihood and employment. During the pandemic, due to lack of legal documentations such as identification cards and registration, they are deprived of proper access to basic medical care, and hospitals also refused to treat them. Several Tibetans have also reportedly died from contracting Covid due to lack of access to proper medical care.

Over a month ago, it has been announced in Karze County (incorporated into China’s Sichuan Province) that Tibetans who have returned to Tibet from India and Nepal, would be registered in the National Household Registration (Hukuo) system. However, it seems not a single Tibetan has been registered till now.