FRRO negligent in identifying visa overstayers: Anand

HYDERABAD: The indifference of the Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in identifying overstaying foreign nationals, a majority of whom have been indulging in crime, is increasingly becoming a major concern in maintaining city law and order.

Though the FRRO is mandated to alert the police over foreign nationals whose visas have expired, the agency is allegedly taking its own time in sending alerts, leave alone initiating measures to deport the illegal migrants to their respective countries.

Asked about the increasing number of crimes involving overstaying foreigners, city police commissioner C.V. Anand told Deccan Chronicle that the number of illegal migrants had risen to alarming levels. The number was 750 in 2021 and at present it might have crossed 1,000, he said adding that FRRO had not sent the data for the last year and a half. “the Last time also it is on our insistence that the agency sent the data,” he pointed out.

Anand also stated: “We have been working diligently to combat crime apprehending several individuals, particularly Nigerians, involved in cyber fraud and investment scams. With the increasing number of migrants, the process of identifying and deporting them has become challenging and financially burdening us. We have already sent many nationals back earlier."

Anand said that the primary concern of the police was to control crime, but the responsibility of identifying immigrants came under the jurisdiction of the FRRO.

Stressing the need for collaboration between law enforcement agencies and immigration authorities, Anand said: “Unfortunately the burden falls only on us. We strive to maintain public safety and apprehend criminals. But the lack of cooperation from the FRRO hinders effective crime control measures and exacerbates the challenges for us.”

Anand expressed concern over the presence of 1,000 foreigners, whose visas were expired, many of whom were involved in criminal activities in Hyderabad. “The FRRO should fulfil its responsibility in managing immigration-related issues. Collaborative efforts are necessary to ensure public safety,” he added.