Visa Overstays Under Scanner As CM Fadnavis Announces New Immigration System

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday announced the rollout of a ‘Dynamic Immigration System’ to identify and monitor foreign nationals overstaying their visas. He stated that the initiative aims to curb drug trafficking networks operating in major cities.

Responding to a query raised by Sneha Dube Pandit in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Fadnavis said several foreign nationals exploit legal loopholes to avoid deportation. He explained that some individuals deliberately register minor criminal cases to delay their expulsion from India.

The government has now begun withdrawing such minor cases, following guidance from the Government of India, to enable immediate deportation. Officials have already deported 68 Nigerian nationals, while 122 remain in detention centres awaiting removal.

Fadnavis said police have been instructed to verify passports and visa documents of suspicious individuals. Officers will send those without valid papers directly to detention centres.

Maharashtra CM added that authorities will establish real-time coordination between police and immigration officials to track visa overstays.

The government will also prohibit landlords from renting properties to foreign nationals lacking valid documentation.

Officials will initiate legal action against violators. A large-scale public awareness campaign will support these measures.

To dismantle drug syndicates, the state will invoke the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act against repeat offenders.

Police will conduct raids on establishments linked to drug consumption and cancel the licences of repeat violators permanently.

Fadnavis warned that any police personnel involved in narcotics activities will face immediate dismissal. He also indicated that senior officials, including Crime Investigation Department heads, may be held accountable for lapses.

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