In a significant enforcement operation carried out during 2025, the Delhi Police have identified 548 foreign nationals residing illegally in the national capital and initiated proceedings for their deportation, officials said on Thursday.
According to official data, the highest number of cases were detected by the Foreigners Cell, which identified 318 individuals staying without valid visas or documentation. This was followed by Nihal Vihar police station, which handled 134 cases, and Mundka police station with 87 cases. Smaller numbers of cases were registered at Rani Bagh (one), Ranhola (five), Paschim Vihar East (one), and the Cyber Police Station (two), reflecting a coordinated effort across multiple units.
The apprehended individuals belonged to a range of countries, with Bangladeshi nationals accounting for the largest share at 380. Nigerian nationals formed the second-largest group with 111 cases. Other foreign nationals identified during the drive included 17 from Ivory Coast, 13 from Ghana, 10 each from Senegal and Cameroon, two from Niger, and one each from Liberia, Russia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Gambia.
Officials said all the foreign nationals were found to be overstaying in the Outer District of Delhi without valid travel or residential documents. Following their apprehension, the individuals were produced before the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), which issued formal deportation orders in each case.
Subsequently, the foreign nationals were transferred to designated detention centres, where they will remain until deportation procedures are completed in accordance with existing legal and administrative protocols.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer District) stated that the police have been consistently taking strict action against foreign nationals residing in the district without valid visas. The operation was conducted under the supervision of Sachin Sharma, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Outer District, as part of sustained efforts to strengthen internal security and prevent unauthorised residence.
Throughout the year, specialised teams drawn from various police stations and operational units maintained heightened vigilance to identify and apprehend individuals living in violation of immigration norms. Officials said regular checks, verification drives, and coordinated field operations played a key role in detecting the cases.
Illegal migration continues to be viewed as a serious concern in India, with authorities often highlighting its implications for national security, socio-economic stability, and demographic balance. Concerns associated with unauthorised residence include pressure on public resources, vulnerability to human trafficking networks, and potential law-and-order challenges, particularly in urban and border-adjacent areas.
The Delhi Police have reiterated that similar drives will continue as part of ongoing efforts to enforce immigration laws and ensure compliance with visa and residency regulations across the national capital.
