MHA orders Manipur to monitor influx of foreign nationals through biometric registration

Imphal: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued new directives to the Manipur government regarding online biometric registration, which is now mandatory for all individuals, as well as for the identification of illegal immigrants, officials stated on Tuesday.

The new directive requires foreign nationals and outsiders to complete online registration through the Foreigners Identification Portal, allowing accurate verification of nationality and identity. Previously, biometric data was collected physically. The renewed directive follows several cases of illegal immigrants being identified through physical verification in Chandel and other border districts of Manipur.

Citing concerns over a potential influx of illegal migrants, especially due to turmoil in neighbouring countries, the government has issued these new advisories to prevent such entries.

However, state officials noted that many border locations in this sensitive region lack proper internet connectivity, making online registration currently challenging.

Under the directives, all Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police are required to establish a robust mechanism to prevent illegal crossings into the state and maintain strict surveillance at international, inter-state, and inter-district boundaries.

Any illegal movement, if detected, must be reported immediately. Biographic and biometric details of such individuals must be captured mandatorily, and online registration must be completed without delay.