Punjab warns truant NRIs: Show up or we’ll get passport, visas cancelled

The government has been unable to trace 1,330 NRIs at their addresses, while about 10,000 are yet to be contacted based on contact details shared with the state by the Centre.

Punjab on Saturday warned them of stringent action of writing to the Union Ministry of External Affairs and getting their passports/visas cancelled. (File Photo)

After launching a frantic door-to-door search for NRIs who are untraceable, Punjab on Saturday warned them of stringent action of writing to the Union Ministry of External Affairs and getting their passports/visas cancelled.

The government has been unable to trace 1,330 NRIs at their addresses, while about 10,000 are yet to be contacted based on contact details shared with the state by the Centre. The Union government collated this data from details shared by the NRIs at the time of landing.

Now, these NRIs and foreign travellers, who landed in India after January 30, have been asked to furnish their details on Helpline Number 112, immediately.

The warning comes as the state government now wants to finish the task of identifying and quarantining these NRIs within two days.

A government statement said that a self-declaration proforma has also been issued in this regard on which they would have to give their details such as passport number, name of airport, date of landing and date of arrival in Punjab.

A spokesperson said that NRIs/foreign travellers would also furnish details about their permanent address or present stay and hotel, if any. They also need to mention the places of they have visited in Punjab since, including details like mobile phone number, fixed line phone number and email ID.

He further added that if any NRI/foreign traveller deliberately conceals this information from government then authorities may contemplate stern action against him/her. He said that NRIs and foreign travellers, who came in India after January 30, can give their details on Helpline No. 112, e-mail dial-112@punjabpolice.gov.in, and portal https://ners.in/, besides sharing these details on 112 mobile App.

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A government official said: “We have now warned them that they should report to the government themselves failing which we will write to MEA to either get their passports or visas cancelled after getting in touch with their countries to cut short their travel.”

He added: “We have told the Sarpanches to make announcements in their villages that their (NRIs’) passports would be cancelled. A few villages made the announcements and we have got many calls from NRIs today asking for the procedure. We have now asked them to call up at 112 and report, and then remain in quarantine for at least 14 days from their date of landing.”

According to the official, several NRIs had hidden their travel history from the administration to ensure they did not have to remain confined to their houses. “But now many of them have realised the gravity of the situation. After getting phone calls, it seems we will be able to trace all of them in two days,” he said.

On Friday, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had sought community participation in tracking these NRIs. He had asked the Panchayats and Rural Development Department to ask Sarpanches to report to the police about any NRI in their village. The CM’s orders came after the Union Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba had written to states about tracking all the NRIs who could jeopardise the efforts to contain the spread of the contagion.

Kanchan Vasdev

Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... Read More