Govt asks univs, hotels to inform about foreigners within 24 hrs

The government has directed all academic institutions and hotels to inform it about a foreign student or a guest within 24 hours of their making an entry.

In a gazette notification, the Home Ministry said every university and educational institution shall furnish to the Foreigner Regional Registration Officer information in respect to foreign students enrolled in the institute within 24 hours of his or her arrival.

While the course name, course duration and fee structure have to be furnished at the beginning, a half-yearly report has to be given on attendance of the student in the class, result and general conduct of the student.

The Ministry said all hotels would be required to furnish details of a foreign guest, including his or her signature, on arrival at its premises. The foreign visitor’s name and nationality have to be maintained in a register.

The hotels have to furnish details from the foreign guest about his or her purpose of visit to India, proposed duration of stay, whether employed in India, address to which the visitor is proceeding besides others.

Every particular, other than the signature of the keeper of a hotel or a visitor, which is required to be recorded in the register, shall be recorded by the keeper of the hotel in English or other Indian language.

If a visitor does not understand English language, it shall be the duty of the keeper of the hotel, if so requested, to explain to the visitor the requirements of the government order.