Pramesh S Jain
Karnataka Home Minister G.Parameshwara on Wednesday said the state has intensified its crackdown on Foreign Nationals involved in criminal activities and illegal immigration, with a sharp rise in deportations over the past three years.
He said that since 2024,police have deported 339 foreign nationals,with more than 50% of the cases linked to offences under the NDPS Act.
In 2025,a total of 401 individuals were tracked and deported, while in 2026 so far,427 foreign nationals have been deported.
Of the 427 deportations this year,286 were Bangladesh nationals,many of whom were sent back by air instead of conventional land routes,indicating a shift towards faster and more efficient repatriation processes.
The Minister noted a significant policy change in handling such cases.Earlier, foreign nationals booked in criminal cases were allowed to remain in the country until the legal process concluded.
However,the government has now decided to deport such individuals soon after apprehension,in coordination with the embassies of their respective countries,even without pursuing prolonged criminal proceedings in certain cases.
Parameshwara said the move is aimed at swiftly addressing illegal immigration and preventing misuse of legal delays,while ensuring coordination with international authorities.
The government,he added,remains committed to strengthening enforcement against illegal activities involving foreign nationals while maintaining due diplomatic processes.
