Pernem, Canacona have most overstaying foreigners: FRRO

Panaji: Most foreigners overstaying in Goa are concentrated in Pernem and Canacona talukas, an investigation by the foreigners regional registration office (FRRO), Goa, has found.

The probe revealed that Russians and Europeans largely sustain themselves on rental income from properties in their home countries, while many Africans, particularly Nigerians, are victims of human trafficking. Bangladeshis, meanwhile, are mostly employed as domestic helpers, daily wage labourers and ragpickers.

Over the last one-and-a-half years, FRRO Goa deported or facilitated the exit of around 150 foreign nationals, including over 29 Bangladeshis, for overstaying.

FRRO SP Arshi Aadil said that during investigations, many Russian and European nationals claimed they received funds from their countries by renting out their properties there. Aadil said most overstaying foreigners avoid hotels and instead stay in guesthouses.

“When we catch them, some of them pay for their return ticket. If there are foreigners unable to arrange funds for their tickets, FRRO makes the necessary arrangements,” said Aadil.

The FRRO found that many Nigerians staying illegally in Goa were survivors of human trafficking networks and had been pushed into prostitution.

On Bangladeshi nationals, Aadil said that many arrive with their families and live in rented premises. .

“Proposals for blacklisting under appropriate categories have also been initiated, so that those deported from Goa do not have another chance to enter the state,” said Aadil.

“The FRRO remains committed to firm and lawful action against overstaying foreign nationals, while safeguarding the interests of genuine and law-abiding foreign nationals visiting Goa,” she said.

The FRRO also advised accommodation providers to ensure timely submission of C-forms/Form III for foreign nationals staying on their premises.

National Crime Records Bureau data showed that between 2022 and 2024, Goa police registered 251 cases involving foreigners. Of these, 206 cases were against foreigners, while in 45 cases they were victims.