The Central Crime Branch (CCB) of the Bengaluru Police launched an unprecedented sweep across the tech capital on 26 February, checking passports, visas and Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) papers of nearly 2,000 foreign nationals in hostels, paying-guest houses and upscale condominiums. Several individuals were found overstaying or holding expired documents; they now face deportation proceedings under the Foreigners Act. (deccanherald.com)
Officials say the exercise responds to intelligence that some overstayers were abetting cyber-crime and drug peddling rings. Teams used handheld e-FRRO scanners linked to the Bureau of Immigration database to verify status on the spot—a first for the city. (deccanherald.com)
While the crackdown reassures residents, it has rattled the expat community that fuels Bengaluru’s IT and biotech engines. Relocation firms are advising employers to audit staff paperwork immediately; failure to register address changes within 14 days can attract a ₹10,000 fine even for legitimate workers. (deccanherald.com)
![Bengaluru Police question 2,000 foreigners in city-wide visa-verification drive]()
Expats anxious about their paperwork can streamline compliance through VisaHQ, which offers step-by-step guidance for Indian visas, FRRO registration and extensions. Its portal at https://www.visahq.com/india/ lets users upload documents, monitor status updates and receive deadline alerts, helping employers and individuals avoid penalties.
The Karnataka government insists the operation is not a witch-hunt but part of a nationwide compliance push ahead of the G-20 Labour and Employment Working Group meeting scheduled in the city next month. Embassy staff from Germany and Nigeria have requested clearer notice periods for future inspections to avoid workplace disruption. (deccanherald.com)
Human-rights lawyers caution that spot checks must respect due process, urging authorities to provide interpreters and receipt slips for seized passports. The CCB says a help-desk has been set up to assist those needing visa extensions or exit permits.
Officials say the exercise responds to intelligence that some overstayers were abetting cyber-crime and drug peddling rings. Teams used handheld e-FRRO scanners linked to the Bureau of Immigration database to verify status on the spot—a first for the city. (deccanherald.com)
While the crackdown reassures residents, it has rattled the expat community that fuels Bengaluru’s IT and biotech engines. Relocation firms are advising employers to audit staff paperwork immediately; failure to register address changes within 14 days can attract a ₹10,000 fine even for legitimate workers. (deccanherald.com)
Expats anxious about their paperwork can streamline compliance through VisaHQ, which offers step-by-step guidance for Indian visas, FRRO registration and extensions. Its portal at https://www.visahq.com/india/ lets users upload documents, monitor status updates and receive deadline alerts, helping employers and individuals avoid penalties.
The Karnataka government insists the operation is not a witch-hunt but part of a nationwide compliance push ahead of the G-20 Labour and Employment Working Group meeting scheduled in the city next month. Embassy staff from Germany and Nigeria have requested clearer notice periods for future inspections to avoid workplace disruption. (deccanherald.com)
Human-rights lawyers caution that spot checks must respect due process, urging authorities to provide interpreters and receipt slips for seized passports. The CCB says a help-desk has been set up to assist those needing visa extensions or exit permits.
