(a) whether a large number of Afghan citizens are residing in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether all the Afghan citizens residing in the country have registered themselves;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps taken by the Government to repatriate such Afghan citizens?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN)
(a)& (b): As per available records, the number of registered Afghan citizens residing in the country as on 31.12.2011 is 26724.
(c) & (d): Afghan nationals arriving in India on visa for duration up to 30 days do not require registration. All Afghan nationals who are on visa for more than 30 days are required to register themselves within 14 days of arrival in India. However, a few of them may not have registered themselves. In case of their detection at the time of departure they are asked to regularize their stay in India after paying penalty or action taken against them as per rule. The UCF module being implemented under the MMP on IVFRT would help in keeping a track of Afghans who do not register as well as the exact no. and details of foreigners overstaying on any given date in future.
(e): Government has not decided to repatriate Afghan citizens. However, the persons desiring to leave the country are allowed to exit as per existing rules.