Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Authorities in Goa have intensified checks against foreign nationals allegedly found violating visa and immigration rules, with 59 people detained so far this year and 98 others leaving the country after receiving Leave India notices.
The latest case involved an Iranian couple who were found during an FRRO verification at a rented premises in Korgao, Pernem. Officials reportedly discovered that their passports and visas had expired. They were subsequently detained and shifted to a detention facility while further legal proceedings are undertaken.
Deportation proceedings have also gathered momentum. Six foreign nationals were deported from Goa in August, comprising three Russian citizens and one national each from Belarus, Tanzania and Bangladesh, according to official figures.
The enforcement activity has continued this month, with two Russian nationals who had been placed under home restriction subsequently departing India. Their travel expenses were reportedly paid by the individuals themselves.
Meanwhile, immigration authorities are preparing for further deportations. A Nigerian national currently being held in detention is expected to be sent back next week, while a Ugandan national in detention is also likely to be deported shortly. The expenses for both departures are expected to be borne by the respective individuals.
The intensified action follows a series of cases involving alleged visa and documentation violations. At least 10 foreign nationals were arrested over a 10-day period last month for allegedly remaining in India without valid visas or travel documents. The cases involved citizens of Thailand, Russia, Iran, Uganda, Japan, Austria, Nigeria and Kenya, with some allegedly having remained in the country well beyond the validity of their visas.
Over the last 18 months, the FRRO has deported or facilitated the departure of more than 160 foreign nationals from India. Among them were more than 29 Bangladeshi nationals who were allegedly found overstaying in Goa.
