Seven property owners booked for failing to report stay of foreign nationals

The police have registered criminal cases against seven property owners in Bengaluru for failing to submit Form C, the mandatory Foreigner’s Registration Form, after renting out their premises to foreign nationals.

Under the Indian immigration rules, all hotels, lodges, guest houses, homestays, hospitals, landlords and other accommodation providers hosting foreign nationals are required to submit Form C online to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO)/Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) within 24 hours of the guest’s arrival.

The police said failure to comply with this requirement is a serious violation under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.

According to officials, two cases have been registered each at the Banaswadi and Pulakeshinagar Police Stations, one case at the J.B. Nagar Police Station.

The authorities warned that failure to submit Form C is a punishable offence. Those convicted may face imprisonment, a fine, or both. In addition, hotels and other accommodation providers may also face administrative action, including suspension or cancellation of their licence.

The police have urged all accommodation providers to strictly comply with the Form C regulations whenever they provide accommodation to foreign nationals.