The cases of foreign nationals staying back in the country illegally are on the rise, especially in the Navi Mumbai area and therefore the police have decided 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, 3 from Gambia, 3 from Kenya, 2 from Senegal, 2 from Tanzania, 2 from Cameroon, 1 from Zimbabwe, and 1 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.

Compared to the last three years, there has been a significant increase in deportation this year. 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 not only taking action against the illegal stay of foreign nationals but also 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, informing them about the necessary procedures for renting to foreign nationals. 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 like the passport and the visa to ensure the legality of the stay. Citizens are warned that failure to undergo such verification may result in police action against them,” said Mane, who claims that foreign nationals are now finding it difficult to secure flats for rent in Navi Mumbai.

Mane added that the action against foreign nationals is ongoing, and in January 2024 alone, the Navi Mumbai police deported more than 40 foreign nationals. “Our action against foreign nationals is ongoing. We also urge citizens to be vigilant, and if they encounter any foreign national with illegal status, they can approach the Navi Mumbai Special Branch or local police, and appropriate action will be taken,” added Mane.

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