Visa Violation Sparks Controversy: Deportation of Renowned Hindi Scholar

Francesca Orsini, a distinguished scholar from the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London, faced deportation on Monday after her arrival at IGI Airport from Hong Kong. Government sources claim the deportation is linked to her alleged breach of visa conditions.

Orsini, on a tourist visa, was reportedly placed on a 'Black List' back in March 2025 after suspicions of visa violations arose. A Ministry of Home Affairs source highlighted this as standard global practice when visa rules are contravened.

The move was met with sharp criticism from fellow academics. Historian Ramachandra Guha condemned the action, praising Orsini's contributions to Indian literature, while Mukul Kesavan pointed to governmental hostility towards scholars, especially those working in the domain of Hindi literature.