Girmitiya Community

During the visit of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to Suriname on 6-7 May 2026, the shared Girmitiya heritage was prominently highlighted which now constitute over 27% of the country’s population.

Meaning of Girmitiyas

• Girmitiyas were Indian indentured labourers who migrated to various British colonies during the mid and late nineteenth century in search of employment opportunities.

Historical Background

• Their migration increased after the British Slavery Abolition Act of 1833, which created labour shortages in plantation colonies across the British Empire.

Origin of the Term

• The word “Girmit” emerged from the mispronunciation of the English term “Agreement,” referring to the labour contracts signed ....