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Maharashtra to Launch Dynamic Immigration System to Track Illegal Foreigners

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a new 'Dynamic Immigration System' to track foreign nationals overstaying their visas, particularly those involved in drug trafficking. The system will enable real-time coordination between police and immigration authorities. The government has already deported 68 Nigerian nationals and will take legal action against landlords who rent to individuals without valid documents. Further measures include using stringent laws like MCOCA against drug networks and holding senior police officials accountable.

Key Points: Maharashtra's New System to Track & Deport Illegal Foreign Nationals

  • New system tracks visa overstayers
  • 68 Nigerians deported, 122 detained
  • Landlords face action for renting to illegals
  • MCOCA to be used against drug syndicates
3 min read

Dynamic immigration system to be implemented to trace illegal foreign nationals, says Maha CM Fadnavis

Maharashtra CM Fadnavis announces a Dynamic Immigration System to trace visa overstayers involved in crimes like drug trafficking. Learn about the new rules.

"Now, as per the Central government's instructions, we have started the process of withdrawing such minor cases to immediately deport them - Devendra Fadnavis"

Mumbai, March 17

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Tuesday, told the state Assembly that the state government has taken stringent steps to control the burgeoning drug networks in major cities across Maharashtra.

During the Question Hour, the Chief Minister announced that a 'Dynamic Immigration System' will be operationalised to track down foreign nationals, who continue to stay illegally after their visas expire and engage in drug trafficking.

He was responding to a query raised by Vasai BJP MLA Sneha Dube Pandit regarding the sale of narcotics in the state.

Chief Minister Fadnavis said, "Many Nigerian nationals come to India on education or medical visas. Once their visa expires, they deliberately get a minor criminal case registered against themselves. Since they cannot be deported until the case is resolved, these criminals take advantage of the legal delay. Now, as per the Central government's instructions, we have started the process of withdrawing such minor cases to immediately deport them to their native countries."

He also told House that 68 Nigerian nationals have been deported so far and 122 citizens are currently in detention centres awaiting deportation.

He said that police have been ordered to verify the passports and visas of suspicious foreign nationals; if they lack valid documents, they are to be sent directly to detention centres.

Chief Minister Fadnavis added that while the Immigration Department has records of every foreign national entering Mumbai, a new coordination system between the Police and the Immigration Department will be established. This will provide police with real-time data on individuals overstaying their visas.

Additionally, the Chief Minister told the House that orders will be issued prohibiting homeowners from renting out premises to foreign nationals without valid passports and visas.

Legal action will be taken against landlords, who provide shelter to such illegal residents.

The state government has decided to launch a massive public awareness campaign regarding these regulations.

To further dismantle drug syndicates, Chief Minister Fadnavis also said that Police Commissioners have been instructed to invoke the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against habitual offenders involved in drug trafficking.

"Orders have been issued to extern criminals who meet the necessary legal criteria. Raids will be conducted on cafes and establishments where drug consumption occurs. The law is being amended to permanently cancel the licenses of hotels or establishments that repeatedly violate rules, rather than just suspending them. Police personnel found involved in the sale of narcotics will be summarily dismissed from service," he added.

Chief Minister Fadnavis also hinted that the state government is seriously considering holding the heads of local Crime Investigation Departments accountable, rather than just penalising junior staff.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Holding landlords accountable is crucial. In many suburbs, properties are rented out without any verification. This creates safe havens for illegal activities. The public awareness campaign is a good idea too.
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Aman W
While the intent is good, we must ensure this doesn't lead to profiling or harassment of all foreign nationals, especially students and genuine workers. The system should be fair and transparent. 🙏
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Sarah B
Interesting to see the coordination between police and immigration. The real-time data sharing could be a game-changer if the tech infrastructure is robust. Hope they allocate proper budget for it.
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Vikram M
Good move by CM Fadnavis. The drug menace in cities like Pune and Mumbai is out of control. Using MCOCA against traffickers will send a strong message. But what about the local suppliers and peddlers? They need equal focus.
K
Kiran H
The part about withdrawing minor cases to expedite deportation is smart. The legal system is often slow and they know how to play it. Immediate action is needed to protect our youth from these networks.
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Nikhil C
I appreciate the comprehensive approach—targeting landlords, amending laws for license cancellation, and holding senior police officials accountable. Implementation is key now. Hope this isn't just assembly

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