- Amit Shah has directed the establishment of FRRO offices in all state capitals by next year.
- Bihar, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Meghalaya are among the states where new offices are being pursued.
- The initiative aims to make visa-related and registration services more accessible to foreign tourists, students and medical visitors.
New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed officials to establish Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs) in all state capitals by 2027 to improve services for foreign nationals visiting or residing in India.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, FRRO offices have already been established in 20 states. The government is pursuing the establishment of offices in the remaining states to ensure wider access to immigration-related services.
The move comes amid a substantial increase in the number of foreign nationals visiting India for tourism, medical treatment and educational purposes.
Nine States Identified for FRRO Expansion
The Ministry of Home Affairs has identified nine states where the establishment of FRRO offices is being pursued.
These include:
- Bihar
- Goa
- Himachal Pradesh
- Jharkhand
- Madhya Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Manipur
- Meghalaya
The expansion is expected to strengthen local-level institutional capacity and improve coordination between central and state authorities.
Foreign Visitors to Get Easier Access to Services
FRROs play an important role in regulating and facilitating the lawful stay of foreign nationals in India.
The offices provide several immigration-related services, including visa extension, visa conversion, registration and compliance-related assistance.
Eligible foreign nationals can also obtain a Registration Certificate or Residential Permit through the prescribed registration process.
By establishing offices in all state capitals, the government aims to make these services more accessible without requiring foreign visitors to travel long distances to existing FRRO locations.
Government Aims to Promote India as a Global Destination
The Ministry said the expansion would improve service accessibility, enhance regulatory compliance and help promote India as an attractive destination for international visitors.
The initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen the institutional framework for managing foreign nationals.
Improved immigration services are expected to support sectors such as tourism, medical travel and education while facilitating the lawful movement and stay of foreign visitors.
What Are FRROs?
Foreigners Regional Registration Offices operate under the Ministry of Home Affairs and handle registration and other immigration-related requirements for eligible foreign nationals.
Their responsibilities include monitoring and facilitating the lawful stay of foreign visitors, processing registration-related services and coordinating with relevant authorities.
The proposed expansion by 2027 is intended to strengthen this system across the country.
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