The local police have the authority to extend the Adnan Sami's visa by 30 days and regularise his overstay. (PTI photo)
The Mumbai Police have sent a notice to Pakistani singer Adnan Sami asking him to explain his stay in the city after his visa expired on October 6. Mr Sami has been given seven days to explain his position.
If the singer fails to come up with a satisfactory explanation the Mumbai Police say they will send a report to the Union Home Ministry which is the final authority to decide on residential permits of foreigners. The singer has also been slapped a fine of Rs 1800 for staying in the city after the expiry of his visa.
Sanjay Shintre, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Special Branch (I) told reporters, "He has not applied for extension of visa for his stay in Bombay. That is why we have sent him a notice under Section 14 (B) Foreigners Act, 1946. The notice says he has to come here and explain and he has to regularise his overstay period by depositing $ 30 with us."
In a statement released this afternoon, Mr Sami said, "This is to inform all concerned that my visa did expire on the 6th October, 2013. As per standard rules, I had made an application for extension of my visa to the concerned department of the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi on 14th September 2013, as they are the only authority to issue all visa extensions. This is a standard procedure that is followed by all foreigners and I have been following it for the past 14 years. Hence this year is no different. Until the visa extension is granted by the MHA in New Delhi, I have to be in India as I cannot leave."
"The Mumbai Police is very much aware of my situation & are fully informed of this," Mr Sami added.
The local police have the authority to extend the singer's visa by 30 days and regularise his overstay. A decision whether Mr Sami will be given extension will be taken after the police receive an explanation from the singer.