India-Mauritius Medical Tour Turns Controversial: +40 Mauritians Residing Illegally

Over 40 Mauritian nationals, who had travelled to Gurugram, India for medical treatment, were found residing without proper verification at a guest house in Sector 31. The Mauritians had been staying there for several days without the necessary documentation or police clearance.

A case has been filed against Ravi Kumar, the operator of Omka Medical Guest House, under the Foreigners Act. Authorities allege that Kumar failed to inform the district administration about the presence of the Mauritian nationals and did not complete the required documentation.

According to regulations, the Foreigners Act, police verification is mandatory for stays exceeding one week, especially in the current tense atmosphere due to the India-Pakistan conflict.

Authorities are reportedly conducting a thorough investigation of hotels, PG accommodations, and restaurants across the city.

Though it was confirmed that all the Mauritius were there for medical treatment, the police registered a case against the guest house operator for accommodating them without proper notification to the relevant authorities.

A court directive issued under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Code 2023 to cyber cafes, PGs, guest houses, hotels, landlords, and offices requires these establishments to maintain detailed records of visitors and tenants, including photocopies of their identity cards, especially given the current security concerns. If a foreigner intends to stay longer than a week, police verification must be completed; violations will attract legal action.

Source: The Financial World