Sebastien Farcis, a French journalist, has departed India after 13 years, citing “incomprehensible censorship” as the reason.
His work permit was denied, rendering him unable to practice his profession and leaving him without income.
Farcis, who worked for Radio France Internationale and other major French-language media outlets, was informed in March that his permit extension had been denied just before the Indian general elections.
Despite repeated requests, Farcis was not provided with a reason for the denial.
He applied for a new work permit but was unable to resume his work until it was granted, forcing him to leave India.
His family, including his Indian wife, was also displaced from the country without explanation.
Farcis’ departure is part of a growing trend of restrictions on foreign journalists in India.
Other journalists have faced similar challenges, including French journalist Vanessa Dougnac and Australian ABC journalist Avani Dias.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has been criticized for stifling independent media, with the country ranking 159 out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index.
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