653 foreign nationals deported this year

The Navi Mumbai Police have escalated their efforts to address the issue of illegal foreign nationals, deporting 653 individuals this year. Among them are 639 African nationals and 14 Bangladeshi nationals, all of whom have been sent back to their home countries. As part of the intensified action, the police have also initiated biometric registration for deported individuals, with the data being forwarded to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Mumbai to prevent their re-entry into India.

Investigations have revealed that many African and Bangladeshi nationals were residing illegally in areas such as Ulwe, Kharghar, Koparkhairane, and Kamothe. Some of these individuals were found to be involved in criminal activities, including drug trafficking. Acting on the directives of Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe, the police have been conducting regular checks of passports and visas of foreign nationals and have intensified operations in suspected areas.

The police also discovered that some landlords were illegally renting properties to foreign nationals for higher rents, often without proper documentation. Strict actions, including arrests and deportations, have been initiated against such offenders.

This month alone, raids led to the arrest of 16 African nationals, along with the seizure of drugs worth ₹13 crores. Additionally, the Immoral Trafficking Cell and local police registered 25 cases against Bangladeshi nationals for illegal entry into the country.

To prevent deported individuals from re-entering India, the police have started recording their biometrics. A proposal has been submitted to blacklist 569 foreign nationals, with 496 already blacklisted.

The police have urged citizens to report any suspected illegal foreign nationals in their localities, especially in areas like Taloja, Kharghar, Ulwe, Vashi, and Koparkhairane. Slums and other areas housing potential illegal immigrants are under regular surveillance.

“To ensure deported foreign nationals do not return, we have begun biometric registrations and are sharing their details with the FRRO. Landlords and estate agents renting properties to foreign nationals without agreements are also being penalized. Strict measures are in place to address this issue comprehensively.”