Delhi Police Detain 11 Bangladeshi Nationals for Visa Overstay

Eleven Bangladeshi nationals have been detained in Delhi for violating visa conditions and overstaying in India, authorities said on Wednesday. The action was part of a special drive to identify foreign nationals who have breached visa norms.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Rohit Rajbir Singh said the individuals were apprehended during targeted patrolling in Paharganj, a densely populated area in central Delhi known for budget hotels and guesthouses. Acting on a tip-off, police first detained a man identified as Nayeem Ahmed, a resident of Sylhet in Bangladesh.

Based on information provided by Ahmed, police raided a flat in Hauz Rani, Malviya Nagar, where the remaining ten individuals were found. Scrutiny of their passports, visas, and immigration records revealed that all had entered India legally on double-entry visas, which permit a maximum stay of 15 days per visit. However, they had overstayed without seeking any extension or authorisation.

The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) issued restriction orders against the eleven individuals. They have been shifted to the Sewa Dham detention centre in Sarai Rohilla, where they will remain pending deportation proceedings. The DCP confirmed that further legal action is underway.

This incident highlights the ongoing efforts by Indian law enforcement agencies to monitor and enforce visa regulations. Overstaying a visa is a violation of the Foreigners Act, 1946, and can lead to detention, fines, and deportation. The Bangalore-based Centre for Equity Studies has noted that India operates several detention centres, primarily for foreign nationals who have overstayed or are awaiting deportation.

Authorities have not disclosed the duration of the overstay or the specific visa conditions violated beyond the double-entry limit. The detention centre in Sarai Rohilla is one of several facilities across the country used to hold individuals whose immigration status is under review.

According to Union Home Ministry data, thousands of foreign nationals are detected each year for visa violations, with a significant number from neighbouring countries. The process typically involves verification by the FRRO, followed by legal proceedings and deportation.

Police have urged the public to report any instances of foreigners overstaying their visas, emphasising that such actions help maintain the integrity of India's immigration system. Further details about the detainees, including their ages and occupations, have not been released.