The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked all educational institutions to appoint compliance officers to be contacted by Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs) / Foreigners Registration Offices (FROs) while processing service applications of foreign students.
Due to the bulk of foreign students coming to India for education and the unavailability of a designated person in institutions, the announcement made was too important and significant.
The commission also stated that the non-availability of a designated person has led to unnecessary delays, difficulties and unintentional violations of visa norms by foreigners, which is resulting in undue harassment of foreign students.
Addressing all vice-chancellors, the UGC said, “All the higher educational institutions are requested to appoint compliance officers to coordinate with FRROs/ FROs for ascertaining facts in respect of foreign students during grant of various services like visa registration, visa extension, exit permit etc. along with their attendance, academic performance and other academic records.”
UGC also requested the universities to inform all affiliated colleges about the appointment of compliance officers.
UGC had earlier advised the higher educational institutions (HEIs) across the country to create up to 25 per cent supernumerary seats for foreign students and will have to adopt a transparent admission process for them.