Foreigners overstaying: Cops file 6 FIRs against landlords

Panaji: In the first five months, Goa police have registered six first information reports (FIRs) against landlords for failing to provide details of foreigners staying in their premises to police stations.

During the same period, 26 foreigners were found staying illegally in the state.SP (crime branch) Rahul Gupta said that Goa police is cracking down on landlords failing to submit C-Forms for foreign tenants as well as foreigners staying illegally.Goa police has been regularly conducting drives and combing operations across the state to detect and prevent illegalities and to maintain internal security.During such drives, foreign nationals residing in rented premises and guest houses were also checked for compliance with mandatory registration norms under the Foreigners Act.“During the period from Jan to May, six FIRs were registered against landlords who let out their premises to foreign nationals without submitting the mandatory C-Form to the authorities,” Gupta said. “Appropriate legal action has been initiated against them, and further investigations are in progress.”Additionally, 23 foreign nationals were found staying illegally in the state during this period, of which 21 were found in North Goa district and two in South Goa.

Action was initiated against them under the relevant provisions of law,” the SP said.The C-Form is a vital requirement under the Foreigners Act, 1946, and associated rules, which mandates that landlords, guest house operators, and accommodation providers report the stay of foreign nationals within 24 hours of their arrival. This is crucial for ensuring the safety, security, and traceability of all foreigners visiting the state.Goa police has said that all landlords, guest house owners, property managers, and hotel operators should strictly comply with the legal requirement of submitting C-Forms promptly. Non-compliance will attract strict penal action under the applicable laws. People should also report any such violations to the nearest police station or through the official Goa police channels.