VIBHA VERMA
vibha@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Goa government’s recent decision to initiate the process to deport foreigners who are illegally overstaying has been welcomed, but the setting up of Illegal Immigrants’ Deportation Cell ~ conceptualized after several cases of overstaying and fake passports/visas among foreigners surfaced ~ is yet to take shape.
The detention centres will house foreigners who are illegally staying until their deportation formalities are complete.
They will be deported later at the cost of the government.
According to Secretariat sources, five desolate premises of government primary schools at Cansa-Tivim, Khelwada-Pilna, Camurlim, Azossim and Chorao were identified for setting up the cells, which were subsequently inspected by a team of Goa police, Collectorate and other officials in August this year.
“Education department had written to the Collectorate informing that the five vacant school buildings could be used for setting up the cells. The team inspected the places and selected two premises at Tivim and Pilna,” an official said requesting anonymity.
Since the school buildings are in dilapidated, the inspection team requested the government for their restoration and construction of boundary walls.
While the government is yet to respond, the police headquarters in another written communiqué to under secretary (Home) sought notifying the buildings as “detention centres”.
The two places were inspected again to recommend up-gradation work.
“We have not received any reply on the repair work recommended for the dilapidated buildings,” said a senior official. Home department sources have meanwhile confirmed that the file is in the process of finalization.
On October 31, the irate mob of Nigerians which went on a rampage after their compatriot was murdered in a gang war at Parra was a wake-up call to the government, which subsequently decided to crack down on foreigners, particularly Nigerians who are perceived to be habitually involved in crimes in the State.
Sources disclose that out of 52 Nigerians arrested for attempted murder and rioting in last week’s incident, 13 had past criminal records among whom 11 were arrested by Goa police for forgery, overstaying, assault and drug-related cases while two others were arrested in Mumbai.
Among several foreigners involved in various offences, police statistics indicate that about 190 Nigerians were booked for different crimes from 2010-2013 till date.
