Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Sept. 24: Concerns over Tibetans living abroad travelling to Tibet for family visits and tourism came under scrutiny on Thursday as members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile fenced questions to the minister of Central Tibetan Administration’s Department of Security on the eighth day of the ongoing session.
The discussion centred on the implications of such visits amid what parliamentarians described as heightened restrictions inside Tibet. Parliamentarian Lobsang Gyatso Sither said the issue warranted careful consideration, while acknowledging that travelling to Tibet can provide Tibetans living abroad with an opportunity to reunite with families, relatives, and visit their homeland.
He pointed to China’s 2026–2030 Five-Year Plan, arguing that Beijing has given tourism development significant importance within its policy framework. He cautioned that Tibetans travelling to Tibet could, in certain circumstances, risk being perceived as lending support to or becoming part of such initiatives. He also referred to figures concerning tourism and visa arrangements, saying that China had set ambitious targets for international visitors and that a large proportion of foreign travellers were making use of visa-free or simplified entry arrangements. He linked these developments to the broader expansion of tourism in Tibet.
The parliamentarian further recalled guidance issued by the previous Cabinet concerning travel to Tibet, saying that many Tibetans should follow the guidance and maintain contact with the Department of Security regarding their visits. He also questioned the lack of public disclosure surrounding some Tibet-related trips and highlighted what he described as a contradiction between seeking asylum abroad on the grounds of difficulties inside Tibet and subsequently returning to Tibet.
Responding to concerns raised by members, Security Minister Kunga Tashi urged Tibetans travelling to Tibet to exercise caution and ensure that their visits do not turn them into instruments of Chinese propaganda. He said Tibetans who encounter transnational repression by Chinese authorities should report such incidents to the Department of Security. According to the Minister, documented cases would enable the department to raise the matter with relevant governments and pursue appropriate channels of action.
The issue of Tibetans travelling to Tibet was also raised in connection with organised trips involving young Tibetans from Europe. Some parliamentarians expressed concern that Tibetan children were being taken to Tibet under programmes organised by particular groups and called for greater awareness among parents.
Minister Kunga Tashi said the department was aware of the issue and maintained that some of the programmes were being organised with private financial interests in mind. He urged the Tibetan public to exercise vigilance and said the department had been taking measures in response.
Members also raised concerns about Tibetans travelling to Tibet in connection with what they described as Chinese united-front activities, as well as the potential consequences faced by Tibetans who return and speak publicly about their experiences.
He reiterated that Tibetans visiting Tibet should be particularly mindful of the possibility of being used for propaganda purposes and urged anyone subjected to pressure or repression beyond China’s borders to report it to the department.
The parliamentary discussion also touched on the continuing decline in the number of Tibetans arriving in India from Tibet. In response to questions from parliamentarians on Wednesday, the Security Minister said the number of new arrivals from Tibet had generally declined since 2012, with only seven Tibetans arriving from Tibet so far this year.
