Immigration rules flouted in Pahalgam, FIR filed against hotel management during inspection

Srinagar, Dec 4: Police in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district have registered a case against a hotel in Pahalgam for alleged violations of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, after it was found that the establishment had failed to document and report the stay of foreign tourists as required under law.

The FIR was lodged following inspections conducted by a team from Police Station Pahalgam, which was carrying out routine checks to ensure compliance with statutory and security regulations among hotels, lodges, and guesthouses in the Rafting Point area.

During the inspection, officers discovered that Hotel Golden Heritage, located at Rafting Point, Yenner, had accommodated two foreign nationals from Thailand without following the legally mandated procedures. Police said the hotel management had deliberately concealed their stay and failed to submit the compulsory Form C online — a requirement for all hospitality establishments to report and register foreign nationals immediately upon check-in.

Such omissions, the police said, constitute a serious breach of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, which underscores strict and timely reporting of foreign guests to maintain transparency and ensure public safety. Authorities noted that lapses of this nature pose significant concerns, particularly in sensitive regions where security protocols must be strictly observed.

In view of the violations, an FIR under Sections 8 and 23(b) of the Immigration and Foreigners Act was registered against the hotel management at Police Station Pahalgam. The police added that further investigation has been initiated and necessary legal action will follow based on the findings.