Key Takeaways
• 121 Bangladeshi nationals detained in Delhi during May 2025 for illegal stay, deportation orders issued by FRRO.
• India’s Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, enforces strict visa, documentation rules with penalties up to three years jail.
• Police dismantle illegal stay networks; investigations target forged documents and Indian nationals aiding immigrants.
Police Crack Down on Illegal Immigration: Recent Detentions of Foreign Nationals in India
In late May 2025, Indian authorities intensified their efforts to address illegal immigration, detaining large numbers of foreign nationals across the country. The most notable incident involved the detention of 121 Bangladeshi nationals in Delhi, but similar actions have taken place in other regions, including Krishna district, India. These operations reflect a broader push by the Indian government to enforce immigration laws more strictly, especially following the passage of the new Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.
This article examines the recent detentions, the legal framework guiding these actions, and the implications for foreign nationals, local communities, and government agencies. We also explore the background and future outlook for immigration policy in India 🇮🇳.
Who Was Detained, Where, and Why?
Who: The main group detained in late May 2025 consisted of 121 Bangladeshi nationals in Delhi. In Krishna district, India, police detained 15 foreign nationals who are now set to be repatriated. Other detentions included nine Bangladeshi nationals in West Tripura and 12 persons from Bangladesh and Myanmar in Vijayawada.
What: These individuals were detained for illegal stay—meaning they were living in India without valid visas or travel documents. Many had crossed the border illegally and had been residing in India for several years.
When: The most significant detentions occurred in the last week of May 2025, with related actions throughout the month.
Where: The largest operation took place in Delhi, specifically in the outer north district, covering areas like Alipur, Bawana, Narela, Samaypur Badli, Swaroop Nagar, Bhalswa Dairy, and Shahbad Dairy. Other detentions happened in Krishna district, West Tripura, and Vijayawada.
Why: The Indian government has increased its focus on national security and the proper regulation of foreign nationals. The new Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, has given authorities stronger tools to identify, detain, and deport those staying illegally.
How: Police and security forces conducted document checks, often targeting areas known for high numbers of migrant workers. In Delhi, the operation involved checking the documents of 831 suspected Bangladeshi nationals over a week. Those found without valid documents were detained, and deportation orders were issued through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).
Details of the Detentions
Delhi: The Largest Operation
The Delhi operation was led by the outer north district police under the supervision of Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Ravindra Singh Yadav. Over a week, police checked the documents of hundreds of suspected foreign nationals. Most of those detained were working as ragpickers or doing odd jobs. They had reportedly crossed into India illegally about three years ago and had been living without valid documents ever since.
Key facts:
– 121 Bangladeshi nationals detained
– Deportation orders issued by the FRRO
– Five Indian nationals detained for providing accommodation to illegal immigrants
– Case registered at Narela Industrial Area police station
Krishna District, India
In Krishna district, police detained 15 foreign nationals who are now set to be repatriated. While details about their nationalities and circumstances are limited, this action is part of a broader trend of increased enforcement across India 🇮🇳.
Other Regions
- West Tripura: Nine Bangladeshi nationals detained by the Border Security Force (BSF) in targeted operations.
- Vijayawada: On May 23, 2025, 12 persons from Bangladesh and Myanmar were taken into custody by counter-intelligence and task force officials.
These actions show that the crackdown is not limited to Delhi or Krishna district but is happening across the country.
Legal Proceedings and Investigations
Charges and Laws Invoked
The detentions have led to several legal proceedings. In Delhi, a case was registered under the following sections:
- Section 336(2) (forgery)
- Section 340(2) (forged documents or electronic records)
- Section 61(2) (criminal conspiracy)
These are sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which is part of India’s criminal code. In addition, authorities used Sections 14 and 14C of the Foreigners Act, 1946, which deal with penalties for illegal stay and related offenses.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to probe deeper into how these foreign nationals managed to obtain Indian identification documents, such as Aadhaar cards and ration cards. Authorities are also investigating how some immigrants managed to get electricity connections in their names.
Focus on Document Forgery and Local Complicity
The investigation is not limited to the foreign nationals themselves. Police are also looking at the role of Indian nationals who may have helped them. Five Indian citizens were detained for providing accommodation to illegal immigrants. Authorities are checking if any government officials were involved in issuing fake documents.
DCP (outer north) Nidhin Valsan stated that the operation is ongoing and that legal action will be taken against anyone found complicit, including government officials.
The New Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025
What Is the New Law?
In March 2025, the Indian government passed the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, which became the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. This law replaced several older acts, including:
- The Passport (Entry Into India) Act of 1920
- The Registration of Foreigners Act of 1939
- The Foreigners Act of 1946
- The Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act of 2000
The new act aims to make immigration processes smoother while strengthening national security.
Key Provisions
The Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, includes several important rules:
- No entry into India without valid passports and travel documents
- Foreign nationals must have valid visas to stay in India
- Penalties for overstaying visas: Up to three years in jail and a fine of Rs 3 lakh
- Burden of proof: The immigrant must prove their legal status, not the state
The act also requires institutions (such as hotels, schools, and hospitals) that host foreign nationals to report their presence to authorities.
For more details on the legal requirements for foreign nationals in India, readers can visit the official Ministry of Home Affairs Foreigners Division website.
Government’s Position
During the debate on the bill, the Union Home Minister made it clear that while India welcomes tourists, students, patients, and business visitors, the country is “not a dharamshala (a travelling inn).” This statement reflects the government’s intent to balance openness with security.
Previous Deportations and Ongoing Enforcement
Recent Deportations
The recent detentions are not isolated incidents. In April 2025, Delhi Police apprehended 15 foreign nationals—two from Bangladesh, 12 from Nigeria, and one from Ivory Coast—for overstaying their visas in the Mohan Garden and Uttam Nagar areas. These individuals were sent to a detention center, and after verification, the FRRO ordered their deportation.
Similarly, 15 foreign nationals were deported from Dwarka in April 2025 for illegal stay.
Ongoing Investigations
The investigation into the syndicate suspected of helping foreign nationals enter and stay in India illegally is ongoing. Authorities are focusing on the fabrication of government documents and the possible involvement of officials. As the investigation continues, more detentions and deportations are likely.
Security Concerns and Policy Analysis
National Security
Experts and policy analysts have supported the new Immigration and Foreigners Act, saying it will help protect national security and make immigration procedures more efficient. The law is seen as a timely response to the challenges posed by illegal immigration, especially in border states.
Deterrence
The strict penalties for illegal entry and document forgery are expected to discourage unauthorized migration. The requirement for institutions to report foreign nationals is also seen as a way to improve oversight and accountability.
Data on Stateless Persons
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), as of December 31, about 95,600 Rohingyas are living in India after fleeing persecution in Myanmar. Of these, 22,500 are considered refugees and asylum seekers who are stateless.
Implications for Stakeholders
Foreign Nationals
For foreign nationals living in India, especially those without valid documents, the new law and recent enforcement actions mean a much higher risk of detention and deportation. Those who overstay their visas or enter the country illegally face severe penalties, including jail time and heavy fines.
Local Communities
Local residents and businesses may also be affected. Those found helping illegal immigrants—by providing accommodation, jobs, or fake documents—can face legal action. This has led to increased scrutiny of landlords, employers, and even government officials.
Government Agencies
For police and immigration authorities, the new law provides clearer guidelines and stronger tools for enforcement. The formation of Special Investigation Teams and the use of technology to track document forgery are examples of how enforcement is becoming more systematic.
Employers and Educational Institutions
Employers, schools, and hospitals that host foreign nationals must now report their presence to authorities. Failure to do so can result in penalties. This requirement is designed to prevent illegal stay and improve tracking of foreign nationals.
Background: Why the Crackdown Now?
India has long faced challenges related to illegal immigration, especially from neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Myanmar. Economic opportunities, political instability, and persecution in home countries have driven many to cross the border in search of a better life.
However, the presence of large numbers of undocumented immigrants has raised concerns about security, resource allocation, and social integration. The new Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, is a response to these concerns, aiming to create a more controlled and transparent system.
The Role of Krishna District, India
While much of the national attention has focused on Delhi and border states, the detention of 15 foreign nationals in Krishna district, India, shows that the issue is widespread. Local police in Krishna district are working with national authorities to identify and repatriate those staying illegally. This reflects a coordinated approach across different regions.
The Process of Deportation
When foreign nationals are detained for illegal stay, the process typically involves:
- Verification of identity and nationality
- Detention in a holding center
- Issuance of deportation orders by the FRRO
- Coordination with the home country for repatriation
Foreign nationals are often held in detention centers while their documents are verified and travel arrangements are made. The process can take weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of the case.
For official information on deportation and the role of the FRRO, readers can refer to the Bureau of Immigration, Government of India website.
Challenges and Criticisms
While the new law and enforcement actions have been praised for improving security, some critics argue that they may lead to human rights concerns, especially for refugees and asylum seekers. There are also worries about the treatment of stateless persons and the risk of wrongful detention.
Authorities have stated that they will follow due process and ensure that all actions are in line with national and international law.
Practical Guidance for Foreign Nationals in India
If you are a foreign national living in India, here are some important steps to follow:
- Always carry valid travel documents and visas
- Register with the FRRO as required
- Do not overstay your visa
- Avoid using fake documents or relying on agents who promise shortcuts
- If you are an employer or landlord, verify the legal status of foreign nationals before offering accommodation or jobs
For more information on visa requirements and registration, visit the official Indian Visa Online portal.
Conclusion: What Lies Ahead
The recent detentions of foreign nationals in Krishna district, India, and across the country mark a new phase in India’s approach to immigration. With the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, now in force, enforcement is expected to become more systematic and far-reaching.
Authorities are focusing not only on detaining and deporting those staying illegally but also on dismantling the networks that help them. This includes investigating document forgery and holding Indian nationals accountable if they are found to be complicit.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these developments signal a clear message: India 🇮🇳 is committed to enforcing its immigration laws while balancing the needs of genuine visitors and national security. Foreign nationals, employers, and local communities must stay informed and comply with the new rules to avoid legal trouble.
The coming months are likely to see continued enforcement, more investigations, and possibly further changes to immigration policy. For those affected, staying updated and following the law is the best way forward.
Learn Today
Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) → Government office handling registration, detention, and deportation orders for foreign nationals in India.
Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 → Recent Indian law regulating foreign nationals’ entry, stay, penalties for illegal immigration, effective from 2025.
Deportation → Official removal of a foreign national from India due to illegal stay or visa violations.
Special Investigation Team (SIT) → A dedicated police team assigned to investigate complex cases, including document forgery and immigration violations.
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) → India’s criminal code under which forgery, conspiracy, and related offenses are prosecuted in immigration cases.
This Article in a Nutshell
In May 2025, India intensified immigration enforcement, detaining over 150 foreign nationals for illegal stay. The new Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, strengthens penalties and oversight. Law enforcement investigates document forgery and complicity, signaling a robust crackdown across regions like Delhi and Krishna district.
— By VisaVerge.com
