FRRO Registration in India

Foreigners (including foreigners of Indian origin) visiting India on long term (more than 180 days)  student visa,  medical  visa,  research  visa and  employment  visa or having special endorsement on their  visa asking for registration, are required to get themselves registered with the concerned Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) / Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) having jurisdiction over the place where the foreigner intends to stay, within 14 days of his/her arrival in India.

It is important to highlight that if a visa has been issued for 180 days or longer, but the intended stay is less than 180 days, registration with FRRO is not mandatory.

For Foreigners on other long term visa categories, including Business/ Entry (X) and Journalist Visas, registration is not mandatory if the duration does not exceed 180 days on a single visit. However, if a foreigner plans to stay beyond this period, registration should be completed well before the expiry of 180 days.

The following categories of foreigners are exempted from mandatory FRRO registration:

1.    Persons holding OCI Card (Overseas Citizens of India): Individuals with OCI cards are exempted from the mandatory registration process, streaming the experience for those who possess this special status.

2.    US nationals with Ten-year Tourist Visa/Business Visas: US nationals holding ten-year Tourist/Business Visa are exempted, provided their continuous stay during each visit does not exceed six months.

3.    Foreigners of Indian Origin with Five-year Multiple Entry X Visas: Foreigners of Indian Origin holding five-year multiple entry X visa with an endorsement specifying that the stay should not exceed six months during each visit, are exempt from mandatory registration.

4.    Foreigners below the age of 12: Children below the age of 12 are exempt from mandatory registration, acknowledging the special circumstances surrounding minors.

FRRO Registration Process

• Online Submission: The Bureau of Immigration, India has launched ‘e-FRRO’ which is an online FRRO service delivery mechanism for such registrations. This online mechanism has made the process much easier and hassle-free and the foreign clients are getting their work concluded in an efficient manner
• Benefits after Registration: After registering, the foreigner can avail of various FRRO services in India viz. Registration, Visa Extension, Visa Conversion, Exit Permit etc. Foreigners can fill out the form online and also upload necessary documents depending on their visa category.

Some of the Documents and information required at the time of FRRO Registration are as follows:

• Copy of the passport and initial visa endorsed (with immigration stamp)
• Passport size color photograph of the applicant
• Lease Agreement, accompanied by a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and a utility bill if the applicant is residing on lease/rent.

Additional documentation may be required depending on the specific circumstances of each case.

• Personal Presence: It is important to note that the foreigner needs to be in India for a grant of service, otherwise the application would be rejected.
• Process after Submission of Application: Once an application is submitted, the Visa officers would scrutinize the application. Upon scrutiny, necessary instructions about application i.e., fee payment, correction of selected/desired service, re-uploading of documents, etc. would be conveyed to the foreigner through email/SMS alerts. Therefore, the foreigner needs to check their inbox daily for further instructions concerning the application and provide clarifications as and when asked by the Visa officers.

If the department finds everything in order, they will send the Registration Permit/Certificate (RP/RC) by post on the address mentioned and also electronically on his/ her registered email ID. In case the department requires any further information/clarification, the same needs to be answered unambiguously.

There are a few exit formalities also which the foreigner needs to take care of at the time of final exit from India.

Consequences of Non- Registration with FRRO

Financial Penalties

• Non-Registration fine: This can range from INR 500 to INR 20,000 depending on the duration of non-registration.
• Overstay Fine: This can range from INR 10,000 to INR 50,000 depending on the duration of overstay.

Legal Repercussions

• Detention and Deportation: The FRRO can detain and deport individuals who are in violation of registration requirements.
• Blacklisting: Individuals who violate registration rules may be blacklisted, making it difficult for them to re-enter India in the future.
• Legal Proceedings: In extreme cases, non-registration could lead to criminal prosecution.

Other Drawbacks

• Difficulty in opening bank accounts, obtaining driving licenses or renting accommodation.
• Inability to access certain government services or benefits.
• Difficulty in renewing visas or applying to long term residency.
• Reputational damage and potential harm for future immigration applications.

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