PANAJI: Action has been taken against 46 foreigners in the past two months for overstaying and other offences as North Goa Police, in coordination with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), steps up enforcement under Operation Flush Out.
Out of 46, 16 foreigners were found overstaying without malicious intent, while 22 cases involved deliberate visa violations. Eight foreigners were booked under the NDPS Act for drug-related offences. Gupta added that several properties hosting such foreigners are also under scrutiny, and 7 cases have been registered against house owners who failed to submit mandatory Form C details under the Foreigners Act.
“The law applies to all, including foreigners,” North Goa SP Rahul Gupta said at a press briefing today, adding that out of the 46 actions taken between January and June this year, 35 were in May and June alone.
“Goa is a global tourist destination, and we welcome foreigners. But overstaying or indulging in illegal activities will not be tolerated,” Gupta said.
SP Gupta also stressed the importance of tracking foreign nationals for national security. “We have directed our police stations, especially in Mapusa and Panaji subdivisions, to increase verification drives and maintain constant surveillance in areas with high foreigner presence,” he said.
FRRO SP Arshi Aadil shared that from January to June 2025, the FRRO had deported or issued exit permits to 77 foreign nationals, 32 men and 47 women. These included citizens from Russia, Bangladesh, Uganda, Nigeria, Poland, Ukraine, and the UK. “In several cases, foreigners failed to comply with ‘Leave India’ notices, prompting joint action with local police,” she noted.
FRRO DySP Nutan Verenkar urged public cooperation, especially from accommodation providers. She highlighted that under the Foreigners Amendment Act, 2016, all private property owners, hoteliers, and guest house operators must upload a Form C within 24 hours of a foreign national’s check-in. “Most large hotels comply, but smaller establishments and private homeowners often fail to do so, making it difficult for authorities to track foreign nationals who may stay for months,” she said. She also urged providers to update departure dates in the system after the guest leaves.
The FRRO reminded that non-compliance with Form C submission could lead to prosecution under Section 14C of the Foreigners Act.
The police appealed to the public to remain alert and cooperate with verification and reporting processes to ensure Goa remains safe and secure.
