Hyderabad: Hyderabad City Police stepped up a visa overstay crackdown that began on August 31, 2026. The drive targeted foreign nationals accused of breaking visa and immigration rules.
The Special Branch’s Foreigners Monitoring Cell led the operation. It worked with the FRRO, local Law and Order police and Hyderabad Police IT Cell. Police said they had identified 49 foreign nationals during the drive. They moved them to designated holding centres. Authorities had deported 12 to their respective countries.
Meanwhile, deportation or removal proceedings for the remaining persons were underway with the concerned authorities. Police said the drive sought tighter checks and better enforcement of visa terms. It also aimed to prevent unlawful acts. In addition, police sought to remind the public and accommodation providers of their legal duties.
Visa overstay crackdown identifies 49 nationals
Police traced 30 foreign nationals in Tolichowki. They found six each in Langar Houz and Mehdipatnam and three in Rajendranagar. Meanwhile, Banjara Hills accounted for two cases. Saifabad and Gudimalkapur accounted for one each.
During field checks, police also reported alleged offences beyond immigration breaches. They alleged links between some foreign nationals and counterfeit currency offences and cheating. Police said they had started legal action in those cases.
In another case, police reportedly seized 250 grams of ganja from a foreign national. The visa overstay crackdown also uncovered alleged misuse of hospital intermediary services. Police said some foreign nationals had entered India on student visas but stayed after their visas expired.
Further, police alleged that some worked as translators or intermediaries for foreign patients at hospitals. They allegedly collected translation fees from patients. In some cases, police said they also took commissions of about 15 per cent of hospital bills.
Police also linked certain foreign women to alleged prostitution-related activities. One Kenyan national had entered India on a tourist visa. Police alleged that she overstayed and became involved in such activities.
Separately, police reported another drug-related case involving a foreign national. The person allegedly possessed Alprazolam tablets mixed with cough syrup for personal use. In Rajendranagar, police screened three South Sudanese nationals for suspected drug use. All three had entered India on student visas. Police said they had allegedly overstayed since 2018, 2023 and 2025, respectively. The screening tests reportedly returned positive for cannabis.
Visa overstay crackdown puts accommodation providers on notice
Police said foreign nationals with valid passports, visas and other required papers could stay in India. However, they had to follow visa terms and applicable laws. Police warned that immigration violations and unlawful activities would lead to legal action.
As part of the visa overstay crackdown, police also issued instructions to accommodation providers. They asked house owners, landlords, hotels, guest houses and serviced apartment operators to check foreign guests’ documents.
In addition, police asked them to verify passports, visas and other required papers before providing accommodation. They also directed accommodation providers to follow prescribed reporting rules, including submission of Form III/C.
Further, police told them to maintain mandatory records and provide information to authorities when required by law. Finally, police urged accommodation providers to report suspected overstaying, forged documents or other unlawful acts to the nearest police station.