Even as governments worldwide continue to implement stricter immigration laws, including the US under Donald Trump, scores of Gujaratis remain emboldened in their pursuit of fake visas by manipulating legal systems.
The ingenuity of such people is only growing, with Gujarat increasingly becoming a hotbed for these deceptive activities.
In another case that highlights ongoing issues with identity fraud in India, a 42-year-old man from Surat was arrested for attempting to obtain both a Portuguese identity and an Indian visa using falsified documents.
According to a national daily, the accused, who initially presented himself as Ashwin Dhiru, a Portuguese citizen, was later identified as Nimesh Dhiru Sorathi from Surat.
The case came to light after an officer at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Ahmedabad raised suspicions over the authenticity of his documents. Sorathi had applied for an Indian visa through the E-FRRO portal, claiming to be a Portuguese national with a passport issued just months earlier in 2024. His game was up when inconsistencies in his paperwork led to further investigation.
The investigation revealed that Sorathi, who had initially tried to obtain Portuguese citizenship using his legitimate Indian identity, had resorted to altering personal details—such as his name, address, and date of birth—in order to secure a second Indian passport. Using this fake passport, he then applied for an Indian visa, seemingly unaffected by growing scrutiny on illegal immigration.
This case mirrors a broader issue where, despite government crackdowns and the tightening of immigration controls by foreign countries, Gujaratis are becoming habitual offenders in fake visas and identities. This is especially concerning when seen against the backdrop of global efforts to prevent immigration fraud and protect national security.
Sorathi’s fraudulent attempt was ultimately uncovered after biometric verification raised red flags, and a subsequent review of his documents exposed his lies. He has now been charged with cheating and forgery under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Passport Act.
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