A Nigerian woman has been arrested by Indian authorities for overstaying her visa. She was taken into custody by the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) in the city of Kondhwa, India.
According to a report by The Indian Express, two Indian nationals — the owner of the apartment she was living in and a real estate agent — were also arrested. They were accused of failing to report her stay and not following due legal procedures for housing a foreign national.
The Nigerian woman, whose name has not been disclosed, was residing in a rented apartment located behind Ajmera Hotel in Kondhwa, a locality in Pune city, Maharashtra state.
Investigations revealed that the homeowner had rented the apartment to the Nigerian woman through a real estate agent identified as Adnan Bohra, 29, who lives in Bhagyoday Nagar, Kondhwa. However, authorities said no rental agreement was prepared, and the mandatory police verification was not carried out.
Under Indian law, homeowners who rent properties to foreign nationals are required to submit a “C-form” to the police and the Foreigners Registration Office. The form contains personal and visa-related details of the foreign resident. Failure to do so is considered a violation of Indian immigration and public safety regulations.
During police questioning, the landlord claimed he was unaware of the rules and simply followed the agent’s advice. However, the police insisted that both the owner and the agent had a responsibility to follow proper legal procedures.
As a result, the Kondhwa Police registered a case against them under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) for “disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant.” They also face charges under Section 3(5) of the BNS.
The Nigerian woman is currently in detention and is expected to face deportation proceedings once investigations are completed.
This incident highlights the increasing scrutiny of foreign nationals residing in India, especially those without proper documentation. The Indian authorities have stepped up monitoring of immigration compliance in recent years, particularly in major urban centres where foreign residents are common.
For Nigerians and other foreigners living in India, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of visa compliance and proper registration. It also reflects the legal risks local landlords and agents face if they do not follow the right procedures when renting to non-citizens.
As of press time, Indian authorities have not released further details about the Nigerian woman’s original reason for visiting the country or how long she overstayed her visa. The case is still under investigation.
