Mysuru: Probably for the first time in city, eight foreign nationals were arrested within a gap of 10 days for overstaying and violating their VISA norms. Police said that the foreign nationals were predominantly from educational institutions in city and were indulging in illegal activities. They have now been lodged at the Mysuru Central Jail.

Acting on reports from the Police Stations, City Special Branch sleuths headed by Inspector R.P. Ashok rounded off these foreign nationals whose VISA had expired. The foreign nationals were from Somalia, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Kenya and other countries.

They have been identified as Abdiwadud Mohammad Abdi from Somalia, Ivan Salamao Simbine from Mozambique, Wilhelm Shalongo Shapange from Namibia, Atupele, Friday Mwakyusa, Evance Damsimalay and Adian Emillian Riwa from Tanzania, Justus Okuku Okumu from Kenya, and Muhammad Shafiee from Malaysia.

Speaking to Star of Mysore this morning, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) N. Vishnuvardhana said that all lodges, hotels, yoga centres, guest houses, home stays, and furnished apartments in the city have to mandatorily file particulars of their foreign guests and visitors by submitting Form ‘C’ and Form ‘S’ to comply with legal requirements.

Details like the foreigner’s passport number, purpose of visit, phone number, VISA details and the date of departure have to be given in a form available online. “Despite this, we have not been getting information about the foreigner details and now we have started arresting those who are staying illegally,” he said.

“A majority of foreigners who stay illegally indulge in illegal activities and we have received many complaints in this  regard.  Those who do not follow the regulations will be penalised under the Foreigners Act,” he added.

He said that people providing accommodation to foreigners should furnish the details of the guest within 24 hours of their arrival and also ensure that the passport and VISA of their guests are in order.  

The owners of such facilities have been directed to visit the website  https://indianfrro.gov.in/frro/.

For details, call Ph: 0821-2418537.