The Karnataka High Court has recently directed the additional chief secretary and home department to issue a directive to educational institutions, medical facilities, employers, state police, local authorities, intelligence bureaus, district collectors, and police commissioners concerning foreign nationals.

The court has directed that the state must send a circular by June 18 in this regard and this shall direct that all interactions with foreign nationals must be promptly reported to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in a designated format.

This was on the sidelines of the court addressing a petition from six Syrian nationals residing in Banaswadi, Bengaluru seeking visa extension after their permits expired in 2015. They continued to stay here illegally. Justice Suraj Govindaraj, hearing the case noted that non-compliance would result in civil, criminal, or administrative sanctions under the relevant laws.

Additionally, the court instructed that all foreign nationals currently associated with these institutions must undergo audit and verification. Regular status reports are to be submitted to both the FRRO and the state police.

“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. He asked the respondents to submit affidavits/reports before July.

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