Rising concerns prompt police officers to take stringent action against foreign nationals staying in area illegally
The Navi Mumbai Special Branch conducting a meeting with citizens
Cases of foreign nationals staying back in the country illegally are on the rise, especially in Navi Mumbai, prompting the police to take stringent action against them this year. The Navi Mumbai police deported 506 foreign nationals in 2023. Among these, approximately 411 were Nigerian nationals who were deported back to their country.
According to the police, the 506 foreign nationals were from various countries, including 411 from Nigeria, 26 from Uganda, 23 from Cote d’Ivoire, 21 from Bangladesh, 11 from Ghana, three from Gambia, three from Kenya, two from Senegal, two from Tanzania, two from Cameroon, one from Zimbabwe, and one from Liberia. The Navi Mumbai Special Branch, i.e., the Foreign National Registration Department of the Navi Mumbai police, is focusing solely on nationals who are residing illegally even after their visas have expired.
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In 2021, around 80 foreign nationals were deported, followed by 120 in 2022, and 506 in 2023. “Among the 506 deported this year, approximately 23 were deported based on court orders, while the remaining 483 were found to be staying illegally. After issuing notices to them to leave the country, they were deported,” said Milind Bharambe, commissioner of police, Navi Mumbai.
This year, the Navi Mumbai police also cracked down on foreign nationals illegally staying in areas like Vashi Gaon, Kopar Khairane, Kharghar and Taloja. “Many of them come to the country on visit visas for business or sports purposes and end up staying here. They are mostly involved in drug syndicates and the drug supply chain. Deportation is a lengthy process involving arranging tickets and ensuring they return home and do not come back,” said a police officer.
Vishal Mane, assistant police inspector of the special branch, said that the police are raising awareness among citizens about the procedures they must follow when renting out a flat or shop to foreign nationals. “Through societal awareness campaigns and online media, we reached more than 50,000 citizens. They are required to fill out a C or S form containing all the details of the foreign national, which is mandatory for renting a flat. Citizens must coordinate with the special branch for verification of documents to ensure the legality of the stay. Failure to undergo such verification may result in police action,” said Mane, who claims that foreign nationals are now finding it difficult to secure flats for rent in Navi Mumbai.
Mane added that in January 2024, the Navi Mumbai police deported more than 40 foreign nationals. “We urge citizens to be vigilant, and if they encounter illegal foreign national with, they can approach us or the local police, and appropriate action will be taken,” added Mane.
506
No of foreign nationals deported in 2023
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