Lodged in Mapusa detention centre pending deportation; authorities flag visa violations
PANAJI
They were told to leave. They stayed – choosing to defy the clock set by immigration authorities.
Three foreign nationals, who were issued formal Exit Permits, followed by ‘Leave India’ notices by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), Mumbai, have been detained and remanded to the detention centre in Mapusa after failing to comply within the stipulated deadline.
The trio – nationals of a country that accounts for one of the largest inflows of visitors to Goa each year – had exhausted the period of their lawful stay. Official sources told The Goan that their immigration status was unambiguous and the departure window clearly defined.
“Upon their failure to leave within the prescribed time, a ‘Leave India’ notice was issued by the FRRO Mumbai. As they continued to stay in Goa, India, illegally; FRRO Panaji traced them and lodged them in the detention centre pending deportation proceedings,” the source revealed.
Senior government officials indicated that such cases point to a rising pattern of foreign nationals overstaying in Goa, treating it as a safe haven.
“It is a quiet but persistent trend wherein foreigners entering Goa on short-term visas remain far beyond their permitted duration and, in some instances, engage in employment in clear breach of visa conditions. This is not a standalone case,” the official said.
In a recent double murder case, a Russian national has been charged with killing two women of the same nationality. During the investigation, the police also found visa irregularities involving all three.
The accused, Alexei Leonov, had arrived on a VoA e-business visa and was working as a fire display performer. The victims – Elena Kasthanova and Elena Vaneeva – were on tourist and student visas, respectively, yet were employed as a go-go dancer and a bubble performer.
Sources confirmed that the visa status of several foreigners across the State is currently under scrutiny. “Some have taken up employment while on tourist visas. Others have simply not departed after expiry,” the source added.
Under prevailing immigration rules, most tourist visas mandate departure within 90 days, subject to limited exceptions permitting up to 180 days for certain multiple-entry categories. Extension requests are examined by FRRO Mumbai after inputs from its Goa counterpart. If declined, an exit permit specifying a fixed departure date is issued.
“Once that date lapses, the matter moves from administrative non-compliance to illegality, and a Leave India notice is issued,” the official said, explaining the procedure.
Officials acknowledge that enforcement becomes legally layered in cases where individuals, after entering on tourist visas, seek to invoke protection under the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). India is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol. Authorities say they have encountered instances where UNHCR documentation is cited after the visa period has expired, and the matter has even been dragged to court.
“You cannot enter as a tourist and, after your visa runs out, attempt to alter your status by producing refugee documents. If refugee protection is the intent, the nature of entry must reflect that. In some cases, such disputes have reached the High Court,” the source said.
