Kohima, May 6: The Deputy Commissioner of Kohima has issued a directive mandating strict compliance with the provisions of the Immigration & Foreigners Act, 2025 and the Immigration & Foreigners Rules, 2025, reinforcing reporting requirements for foreigners and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders residing or staying in the district.
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The order was issued following instructions from the Office of the Commissioner, Nagaland, and the Foreigners-I Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India. Authorities said the move is aimed at ensuring proper monitoring of foreign nationals and strengthening compliance with national security regulations.
Under Sections 8(1) and 10 of the Act, all accommodation providers—including hotels, guest houses, homestays, private rentals, boarding houses, clubs, hostels, dak-bungalows, paying guest facilities, and religious or charitable institutions—are required to report the arrival and stay of every foreign national and OCI cardholder to the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO), Kolkata.
The directive also applies to medical institutions, including hospitals and nursing homes, which have been instructed to comply with the reporting requirements whenever foreign nationals or OCI cardholders are admitted to their facilities.
According to Rule 17(1) of the Rules, accommodation providers must maintain proper records of foreign visitors and produce them whenever requested by the Registration Officer, District Magistrate, or police officers not below the rank of Head Constable.
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The order further states that, under Rules 17(5) and 18(5), details of foreign visitors must be submitted electronically through Form-III within 24 hours of arrival. The information can be uploaded through the designated government portal or via the “Indian Visa Su-Swagatam” mobile application.
Educational institutions, colleges, and universities admitting foreign students have also been directed under Rule 16 to furnish details of foreign students residing in hostels through electronic submission of Form-III.
The district administration warned that non-compliance with the provisions would be treated as a serious violation of national security protocols. Any delay, omission, or failure to submit Form-III within the prescribed period may invite penal action under the Immigration & Foreigners Act, 2025.
Authorities have urged all stakeholders to ensure strict adherence to the regulations, emphasizing that timely reporting and proper record maintenance are essential for effective monitoring and national security.
