The Union govt has designated Kollam Port as an authorized immigration check post (ICP). This designation enables passengers with valid travel documents to enter and exit India through the port.
N K Premachandran, MP, said persistent efforts during the 17th Lok Sabha were crucial in securing the approval. The matter was raised multiple times in the Lok Sabha and in a home consultative committee chaired by the Union home minister, who assured that immigration check post clearance would be provided.
Premachandran said that the delay in obtaining approval was due to the need to meet state govt requirements.
The sanctioning of the immigration check post is a significant step towards the development of the port, now recognized at the national level. The development marks a long-term dream for Kollam, said Premachandran.
The port will now attract more foreign ships and benefit from its proximity to the international shipping channel. The check post will also enable the starting of travel ship services from Kollam. “I am happy that the hard work during the 17th Lok Sabha has yielded results in the early days of the 18th Lok Sabha,” Premachandran added.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-clause (2) of clause 2 of the Foreigners Order 1948, the central government hereby appoints Foreigners Regional Registration Officer, Trivandrum as the ‘Civil Authority’ for the purposes of the said Order for the Immigration Check Post located at Kollam Seaport in the State of Kerala with effect from 18 June 2024,” said the notification issued by the Union home ministry.
