NO ILP AND EXPIRED VISA PROVE NO DETERRENT FOR NIGERIAN TO HOLIDAY IN SIKKIMGANGTOK, 02 Sept: Saleh Saddiq had overstayed his welcome in India by over a month when he was finally detected for having illegally entered Sikkim. Not only did he not have the requisite documents such as an Inner Line Permit, which is required by all foreigners entering Sikkim, his Indian visa, as per police officials, had also expired. Also significantly, being a Nigerian national he is not permitted to enter Sikkim or any of the north eastern states as per a Central Government directive.
OC Sadar Thana, Tshering Sherpa, confirmed that Saleh Saddiq, a 48 year old Nigerian, had been arrested by the Sadar police on charges of having illegally entered the State. He has reportedly been residing in the State for the past one month in a luxury hotel. There seems to have been a serious lapse on the part of the authorities as well as the hotel staff who are required to examine and verify the documents of all foreign nationals. Had such a verification been done, the expired visa and lack of ILP would have been discovered.
Authorities would also have known that Nigerians are not permitted to enter Sikkim. Police authorities confirm that this is as per a directive of the Home Ministry issued to the government of Sikkim on 11 May, 2006 wherein this restriction of movement is prescribed for protected and restricted areas, Sikkim being both protected and restricted in terms of movement for foreigners. The basis of such a directive was that an upward trend had been detected in the arrival of Nigerians into India and on analysis of inputs, it had been ascertained that many were overstaying or illegally staying in the country.
As for Mr. Saddiq, he seems to be of the high flying kind having just disposed of his pending hotel bill of Rs. 2 lakh; moreover as per police officials, his reason for having come to Sikkim was, as claimed by him, to indulge in the casino games available here.
Meanwhile, sources inform that the Nigerian High Commission has already contacted the authorities here seeking details of the case.
OC Sadar Thana, Tshering Sherpa, confirmed that Saleh Saddiq, a 48 year old Nigerian, had been arrested by the Sadar police on charges of having illegally entered the State. He has reportedly been residing in the State for the past one month in a luxury hotel. There seems to have been a serious lapse on the part of the authorities as well as the hotel staff who are required to examine and verify the documents of all foreign nationals. Had such a verification been done, the expired visa and lack of ILP would have been discovered.
Authorities would also have known that Nigerians are not permitted to enter Sikkim. Police authorities confirm that this is as per a directive of the Home Ministry issued to the government of Sikkim on 11 May, 2006 wherein this restriction of movement is prescribed for protected and restricted areas, Sikkim being both protected and restricted in terms of movement for foreigners. The basis of such a directive was that an upward trend had been detected in the arrival of Nigerians into India and on analysis of inputs, it had been ascertained that many were overstaying or illegally staying in the country.
As for Mr. Saddiq, he seems to be of the high flying kind having just disposed of his pending hotel bill of Rs. 2 lakh; moreover as per police officials, his reason for having come to Sikkim was, as claimed by him, to indulge in the casino games available here.
Meanwhile, sources inform that the Nigerian High Commission has already contacted the authorities here seeking details of the case.
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