The one
place every long term outsider has to visit is the FRRO within 14days of their stay, probably it’s too early to ask an
outsider even before they settle down but they must do it. This article will
tell you about the FRRO and the
importance of it.
The FRRO stands for Foreigners Regional Registration Office which
handles all the services required by foreigners living in India.
Now the
point is who does and doesn’t have to register. It depends on your visa, if it
is written on it that you have to register then you must otherwise there are
categories like people holding a visa of more than 180 days like in the case of
an employee, someone on a project or medical visa you must register regardless
of how long is you stay, your visa must be of at least 180 days. Whereas Foreign Diplomats and OCI cardholders
need not. Tourist visas
are not valid for a single visit of more than 180 days, and therefore do not
need to register either.
Failing
to register can have grave consequences it might land you in Jail for 5 years
or a fine of up to Rs.10,000. Children below the age of 16 do not required to
be register, however you must take them along just in case if they need to sign
any documents.
The FRRO is quiet stringent about the
registration if you lie in the category of foreigner who must register then it
is a must to register within 14 days else you could register yourself before
you leave or your visa is extended i.e., around 150days.
FRROs are located in most of the major cities but
incase you don’t have one in the present city you can report to the
superintendent of police though it is advisable to go the nearest FRRO.
Now when it comes to why you really
should go to the FRRO is because of
the simple reasons like
1.) Residence permits (RP), and
registers any change of address
2.) Extensions and conversions of
certain kinds of visas
3.) Exit visas grants.
There are few things you need to be
aware of as cautions while you stay in India
CAUTION
The Indian Wildlife
(Protection) Act bans all forms of wildlife trade. Violations of the provisions
of the Act are punishable with heavy fines and imprisonment. Foreigners are
therefore, advised not to buy any wildlife or wildlife products or derivatives,
specially ivory articles, fur and skin articles derived from wild animals such
as Shahtoosh.
BEWARE
Foreigners should not carry, buy, sell
or use psychotropic drugs or any other narcotic substances while in India as
their purchase, sale or possession is a cognisable offence.
The FRRO can be a place of lot of difficulties but at the same time it
can be very pleasant if you follow certain rules like showing up early,
carrying extra copies which are signed and attested and most important of all
being friendly and patient.
For any further queries we at Gapeseed Consulting would be glad to
help you, just drop us an email at info@gapeseedconsulting.com.
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