India Begins Deportation of Kenyan Women Found with Expired Visas in Mumbai Hotel

Indian authorities have launched deportation proceedings against 15 East African women found staying illegally at a hotel in Mumbai’s Marol area, following a police raid prompted by intelligence from the Anti-Terrorist Cell.

The women, identified as nationals of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, were discovered during an unannounced inspection in the Powai area. Police confirmed that all had overstayed their tourist visas, with nine of the individuals holding Kenyan passports. 

According to officials, the group had been residing at the hotel for approximately two weeks and appeared to be moving frequently between locations to avoid detection. The hotel manager has been charged for failing to comply with mandatory reporting requirements concerning foreign guests, as outlined in Indian immigration laws.

Authorities are also investigating whether the women were involved in commercial sex work, though no formal charges related to this have yet been filed. This case follows a series of similar incidents involving foreign nationals entering India under questionable circumstances. 

In May, a Kenyan woman was arrested at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport for attempting to smuggle 1.57 litres of liquid cocaine, concealed in cosmetic bottles. The narcotics, valued at ₹15.71 crore (KSh238 million), were seized by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence during a secondary inspection. 

Indian law enforcement agencies have increased scrutiny of foreign visitors and are working to strengthen immigration checks and inter-agency coordination to address these challenges.