Forty-nine foreign nationals have been identified for allegedly overstaying or violating immigration regulations in Hyderabad during a special drive that began on August 31, with 12 of them deported to their respective countries so far, police said.
The remaining foreign nationals have been lodged in designated holding centres and the process for their deportation or removal from India is underway in coordination with the authorities concerned.
The Hyderabad police’s Special Branch-Foreigners Monitoring Cell has been conducting the operation along with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), local Law and Order police and the Hyderabad police IT Cell.
Tolichowki accounted for 30 of the 49 persons identified, followed by Langar Houz and Mehdipatnam with six each, Rajendranagar with three, Banjara Hills with two and Saifabad and Gudimalkapur with one each.
Police said the verification drive also uncovered suspected criminal and other unlawful activities involving some of those identified.
In one case, 250 grams of marijuana was recovered from a foreign national. Police also detected alleged fraudulent and counterfeit currency-related activities and cheating during the verification.
Three South Sudan nationals in Rajendranagar, who had entered India on student visas and had allegedly been overstaying since 2018, 2023 and 2025 respectively, tested positive for cannabis during drug screening, police said.
Another foreign national was allegedly found possessing Alprazolam tablets mixed with cough syrup for consumption. A preliminary enquiry indicated that the mixture was being used for its intoxicating effects.
The operation also brought under scrutiny foreign nationals who had initially entered India on student visas but continued to stay after their visas expired and allegedly worked as translators or intermediaries for foreign patients at hospitals.
According to the police, some allegedly collected service or translation charges from patients and, in certain cases, received commissions of around 15% of hospital bills in addition to translation charges.
Police also identified foreign women allegedly involved in prostitution. Among them was a Kenyan national who had entered India on a tourist visa, overstayed and was allegedly involved in prostitution.
The police clarified that foreign nationals possessing valid passports, visas and other required documents could continue to stay in India subject to their visa conditions and Indian laws.
Landlords, hotels, guest houses and service apartment operators have meanwhile been asked to verify the passports, visas and other documents of foreign nationals before providing accommodation and comply with prescribed reporting requirements, including submission of Form III/C.
Published – October 03, 2026 06:51 pm IST
