Illegal foreigners risk deportation after swoop by Mauritius authorities

About 40 illegal foreigners have been arrested in a police operation against illegal foreigners staying on the Indian Ocean Island of Mauritius.

Africanews correspondent in the country, Yasine Mohabuth, reports that among the detained persons were four Ghanaians along with nationals from India, Bangladesh and Nepal.

Many were in a deep sleep early on Wednesday morning when police officers from the Passport and Immigration Office (PIO) knocked at their door in localities like Pailles, Ebène, Sodnac, Quatre-Bornes, Palma and Bonne-Terre.

Surprised by the unusual morning visit, the foreigners accepted to be transferred to PIO in the capital, Port Louis, where they will be questioned. Most of them risk the deportation, according to our sources.

“They are in an irregular situation in Mauritius because their visa has expired,” Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Narendrakumar Boodhram told the media.

“Our intelligence cell has been doing a good job for two weeks. Now we will ask them whether they are students or whether they came as tourists or are being exploited by individuals. We will channel the files according to what they say,” Mr. Boodhram added.

Africanews Correspondent in Port Louis