Q.1261 Indian Visa violation

penalties 2019 link to period of

default

Question: Hi I am a French national (born and raised in India) .I took my passport in 2009 and then no visa formalities were done till now. Now my passport is to be renewing. If I start the visa formalities now how much penalty has to be paid? And what other consequences will have to be faced??? Pls let me know. Thanks and regards Answer: Your email is rather vague. I assume that you hold a French passport and have lived in India without a visa since 2009 and want to know the amount of penalty that has to be paid for visa formalities. Recently the government of India increased some of the preset financial penalties that apply to individuals for non-registration if they were required to register or for those who violate visa regulations. Penalties are linked to the period of default. Indian Visa Violation Penalty based on period of default in 2019 • Penalty of US$300 for overstay or non- registration for up to 90 days • Overstay from 91 days to 2 years and/or any other minor offenses under the Foreigners Act, 1946, the Passport (Entry into India) Act 1920, the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939 and other Indian laws a penalty of US$400 • Where the default period is more than 2 years a penalty of US$500 for overstay and/or Visa violations including indulging in Tabligh activities, visiting a place in Protected/Restricted Area without the Permit, indulging in activities which are not permitted under the visa granted to the foreigner etc. and/or Cases involving both overstay and visa violations • Penalties amounts for overstay in India by persons belonging to minority communities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are as follows: o For overstay of more than 2 years Rs. 500 o For overstay from 91 days to 2 years Rs. 200 o 200 For overstay up to 90 days Rs. 100 Source: https://indianfrro.gov.in/eservices/Financial_Penalty.pdf or CLICK HERE to view page. Readers are cautioned that the authorities in India look at visa violations on a case by case basis. Visa overstays should not be taken lightly. Visa violations may result in a simple fine or depending on the case even prosecution under the Foreigners Act 1946. For willful repeat violations, depending on the circumstances penalties may be expulsion or even imprisonment.