49 foreigners face action in Hyderabad for visa violations, drug cases; 12 deported

Hyderabad Police have identified 49 foreign nationals for overstaying or violating visa rules in a joint verification drive. The operation has also exposed alleged criminal activity and prompted a fresh advisory for landlords and hotels.

In Short

• Special Branch began the joint verification exercise across Hyderabad on August 31
• Tolichowki reported the most cases, while Langar House and Mehdipatnam followed
• Police found links to narcotics, counterfeit currency, cheating and prostitution-related activity

Hyderabad City Police have intensified a drive against foreign nationals overstaying in India or violating visa conditions, with 49 people identified so far during a special joint verification operation.

The operation was launched on August 31, 2026, and is being conducted by the Special Branch Foreigners Monitoring Cell in coordination with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), local Law and Order Police and the IT Cell.

Police said 49 foreign nationals have so far been identified for overstaying or other immigration violations. Of them, 12 have been deported to their respective countries, while procedures for the deportation or removal of the remaining persons are underway.

The highest number of cases was reported under the Tolichowki Police Station limits, where 30 foreign nationals were identified. Langar House and Mehdipatnam followed with six cases each. Three cases were reported from Rajendranagar, while Banjara Hills, Saifabad and Gudimalkapur reported two, one and one case respectively.

DRUGS, COUNTERFEIT CURRENCY AMONG VIOLATIONS

According to police, the verification drive also uncovered cases involving narcotics, drug abuse, counterfeit currency, cheating and prostitution-related activities.

In one case, police reportedly recovered 250 grams of ganja from a foreign national.

Police also identified foreign nationals who had entered India on student visas but continued to stay after their visas expired. Some of them were reportedly working as translators or intermediaries for foreign patients at hospitals.

According to police, these individuals were collecting translation charges from patients and commissions of around 15 per cent of hospital bills.

In another case, a Kenyan woman who had entered India on a tourist visa was found to be involved in prostitution-related activities while overstaying, police said.

Police also reported a case involving a foreign national who was consuming Alprazolam mixed with cough syrup for its intoxicating effects.

During verification in Rajendranagar, three South Sudanese nationals who had entered India on student visas were found to have overstayed since 2018, 2023 and 2025 respectively. Police said all three underwent drug screening and tested positive for cannabis.

POLICE WARN LANDLORDS, HOTELS

Hyderabad Police have also issued an advisory to landlords, house owners, hotels, guest houses and service apartment operators, asking them to verify the passports, visas and other documents of foreign nationals before providing accommodation.

They have been directed to comply with mandatory reporting requirements, including submission of Form III/C wherever applicable, and maintain the prescribed records.

Police said foreign nationals with valid passports, visas and required documents are welcome to stay in India as long as they comply with visa conditions and Indian laws.

“Illegal stay, visa violations and unlawful activities will not be permitted,” Hyderabad Police said.

The Foreigners Monitoring Cell, along with other police units and agencies, will continue verification and enforcement operations across Hyderabad, officials said.

- Ends