DC Kohima enforces strict reporting norms for foreigners

DIMAPUR — The Deputy Commissioner of Kohima has issued an order enforcing strict reporting norms for foreigners in the district.

The order was issued in pursuance of a letter from the Office of the Commissioner, Nagaland, and the Ministry of Home Affairs, Foreigners-I Division, regarding strict compliance with the provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025 and the Immigration and Foreigners Rules 2025.

According to a DIPR report, under sections 8(1) and 10 of the Act, all keepers of accommodations, including hotels, guest houses, homestays, and private rentals, as well as medical institutions such as hospitals and nursing homes under the Kohima district, are legally obligated to report the arrival and presence of any foreigner or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder to the Registration Officer, namely the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer in Kolkata.

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As per Rule 17(1), all accommodation providers must maintain proper records of foreigners, including relevant details, which shall be preserved and produced upon demand by the registration officer, district magistrate, or any police officer not below the rank of head constable.

In terms of Rule 17(5) and Rule 18(5), the keeper of the accommodation or medical institution shall transmit a duly filled Form III electronically within 24 hours of the foreigner's arrival through the designated online portal indianfrro.gov.in or the mobile application "Indian Visa Su-Swagatam".

This order applies to all boarding houses, clubs, dak-bungalows, hostels, paying guest accommodations, religious institutions, charitable trusts, and any rented or furnished premises of a social or public nature.

Further, under Rule 16, all universities and educational institutions admitting foreign students shall furnish information electronically in Form III regarding students residing in hostels.

The order stated that failure to comply with these provisions shall constitute a serious breach of national security protocols. Any violation or failure to submit Form III within the stipulated time will attract penal action under the extant laws and regulations of the Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025.