Three Indian nationals returning from Oman fined after being caught without passports and permits in Indian territory
Three Indian fishermen working on an Omani fishing boat have been found guilty by a Udupi court of illegally entering Indian waters. The accused — James Franklin, Robinston, and Tiros alias Diros — had travelled to Oman for fishing jobs and re-entered India without valid documents, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
According to a statement from the Coastal Security Police (CSP), the case began on February 24, 2025, when Chief Officer Sukhwinder Singh of the Mangaluru Coast Guard spotted a boat from Oman in Indian territorial waters. Onboard were three Indian fishermen who lacked valid passports and permits.
An official complaint was filed, and the case was registered at Malpe CSP Station by Inspector Lokesh A.C.
The trio was caught during a routine coast guard patrol off Mangaluru in February and later fined by a local court for violating Indian maritime and immigration laws
Investigations revealed that while working in Oman, the fishermen’s original passports were withheld by the boat owner, identified as Abdullah, making it impossible for them to legally return to India. With limited earnings and no travel documents, the trio entered Indian waters illegally.
PSI Shivashankar led the investigation, recording statements from 33 witnesses, and submitted a chargesheet under:
- Section 6(a) of the Passport (Entry into India) Rules, 1950
- Section 14 of the Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981
The Principal Senior Civil Judge and CJM Court in Udupi found the accused guilty.
- James Franklin and Robinston were fined ₹10,000 each
- Tiros alias Diros was fined ₹60,000, as stated in the CSP’s release
Authorities emphasized the importance of following proper legal channels for overseas employment and international travel, especially in maritime operations.
