The Centre has asked all states to initiate deportation proceedings against any foreigner involved in prostitution if the woman is a victim of human trafficking rather than prosecuting her in a court.

In an advisory to all states, the Home Ministry said if after investigation, the woman or the child is found to be a victim, she should not be prosecuted under the Foreigners Act and immediate steps should be taken for her repatriation to her country of origin.

However the advisory added if the investigation reveals that the person is actually a trafficker, he/she may be charge sheeted under the Immoral Trafficking Prevention Act and the Foreigners Act and due process of law should be followed in such cases.

The move comes after many girls from Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and even European countries were arrested in high-profile raids in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore recently.