Bengaluru: The state government on Thursday submitted before the High Court that around 1,156 foreigners were overstaying in the state and alleged that the dual policies of the Centre, through circulars issued by External Affairs and Home Ministries, has led to the increase in number of over-staying foreigners.
The state was making the submission following the recent court direction to submit details with regard to the number of foreigners who have over-stayed in the state, along with number of such pending cases before the lower courts.
The state further said that as per Section 14 of The Foreigners Act, 1946, it imposes ‘penalty’ for those who remain in any part of the country for a period of time exceeding the one stipulated in the visa. Whereas according to the circulars issued by External Affairs Ministry and Home Ministry, it recommends to blacklist foreigners, staying illegally for a certain period of time. The state said the dual policies has led to the increase in number of over staying foreigners and the central government has to reconsider the matter.
Regarding checking the illegal stay of foreigners, the state said that the assistance of Foreigners Regional Registration Offices and Home Department officials becomes crucial, and that the lower courts should punish such offenders along with imposition of fines.
Meanwhile the court was informed that, of the 30 thousand foreigners currently residing in the state for various reasons, around 1,156 of them are overstaying. The assistant solicitor general submitted that as per concerned Act, after obtaining the visa, the foreigners are not supposed to indulge in other activities, but people who obtain student visa for study purposes are indulging in other businesses, and they even make false allegations against our country.
The court took police to task for failing to act in the matter and to compound passport and other documents in many such cases and felt if a special centre can be set up for such offenders till the cases against them are disposed of.
