Karnataka high court directs reporting & verification of foreign nationals | Bengaluru News
Bengaluru: Through an interim directive, Karnataka high court has instructed the additional chief secretary, home department, to issue a govt circular/notification by June 18 to various entities — including educational institutions, medical facilities, employers, state police, local authorities, intelligence bureaus, district collectors, and police commissioners — concerning foreign nationals.The mandated circular shall stipulate that all interactions with foreign nationals must be promptly reported to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in a designated format. Additionally, all current foreign nationals affiliated with these institutions require audit and verification. Regular status updates must be submitted to FRRO and state police. Justice Suraj Govindaraj noted that non-compliance would result in civil, criminal, or administrative sanctions under the relevant laws.The court was addressing a petition from six Syrian nationals, residing in Banaswadi, Bengaluru, requesting visa extension after their permits expired in 2015. The petitioners are also requesting refugee status.“The phenomenon of overstaying by foreign nationals has emerged as a significant concern. It’s evident that such overstays have cascading implications, including but not limited to threats to national security, strain on local administration and law enforcement, challenges in public health tracking, and exploitation in informal employment sectors,” the judge noted while directing the respondents to submit affidavits/reports by July 16 for consideration on July 21 regarding potential SOP or model guidelines implementation.During the proceedings, H Shanthi Bhushan, deputy solicitor general of India, indicated that several of the petitioners had completed FRRO interviews, with their applications being processed according to legal requirements, including the Foreigners Act, 1946 and related rules.The petitioners’ counsel stated that two individuals had completed their interviews, while the remaining await their turn with the relevant authorities.
