According to reports, Lev Feldman’s visa, which was issued for a specific period, expired on April 26, 2024. Despite the lapse in his visa, Feldman reportedly continued to stay in Goa without the necessary legal documentation. The Foreigners Order is a set of rules under the Indian law that governs the stay of foreign nationals in India, stipulating that any foreigner entering the country must adhere to the terms of their visa, which includes the duration of stay, purpose of visit, and exit requirements. Overstaying beyond the approved period without renewing or obtaining a valid visa extension is considered a violation under this legal framework.
The Mandrem Police, acting on a complaint, registered the case under Section 15, which specifically addresses the issue of foreign nationals remaining in the country without a valid visa or overstepping the time allowed under their visa conditions. This section allows authorities to take necessary actions, including fines, deportation, or even a ban on re-entry, depending on the severity of the violation.
Foreign nationals, especially from countries with high tourism inflows like Russia, often find themselves at risk of overstaying due to delays in visa renewal procedures or lack of awareness regarding visa regulations. Authorities, including the police and immigration departments, have been actively cracking down on such violations to ensure that foreign nationals comply with Indian immigration laws.