The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Foreigners Division, has issued an advisory to the Chief Secretaries of all State Governments and Union Territory Administrations regarding the receipt of foreign hospitality by officers in violation of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (FCRA).
According to the advisory, the ministry has taken note that some officers have been accepting foreign hospitality from overseas hosts without obtaining prior permission, as mandated by the FCRA. The ministry maintained that, under the provisions of the FCRA, 2010, and the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2020, prior approval must be sought through the FCRA portal by submitting Form FC-2. Officers must ensure compliance with the prescribed regulations before accepting any foreign hospitality.
The advisory further warned that accepting foreign hospitality without prior approval or from unapproved hosts constitutes a violation of FCRA provisions and is considered an offence under the Act. Additionally, the ministry highlighted that accepting hospitality from foreign entities with adverse reports could pose serious security risks and may not be in the national interest.
In light of these concerns, the ministry has urged all State and UT administrations to issue strict instructions to their officers, ensuring full compliance with the FCRA and its related rules to prevent unauthorized acceptance of foreign hospitality.
For further details, officers have been directed to refer to the official guidelines available at fcraonline.nic.in