The Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025 aims to modernize and streamline India’s immigration laws by replacing outdated colonial-era legislations, ensuring enhanced border control and national security.
NEW DELHI : On Tuesday, the Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025 was introduced in the Lok Sabha by the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai. The primary objective of the bill is to modernize and consolidate India’s immigration framework by replacing a patchwork of colonial-era legislations, such as the Foreigners Act of 1946, the Passport (Entry into India) Act of 1920, the Registration of Foreigners Act of 1939, and the more recent Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act of 2000.
The proposed legislation aims to empower the Central Government with definitive authority to regulate passport and travel document requirements for individuals entering or exiting the country, along with overseeing visa norms, registration processes, and other related procedures concerning foreigners in India.
The bill’s objective is to align India’s immigration system with modern global standards, ensuring national security, administrative efficiency, and a streamlined approach to managing cross-border movement. This legislative initiative is expected to strengthen border control, reduce legal ambiguities, and tighten the enforcement of immigration regulations.
Key Provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025
One of the most significant changes introduced by the bill is the shift in the burden of proof for legal immigration status, which will now lie on the individual rather than the state. This move is aimed at plugging enforcement loopholes and ensuring accountability.
The bill also grants the Central Government the authority to deny entry or continued stay to any foreigner considered a threat to India’s sovereignty, integrity, or national security. Additionally, it mandates the compulsory registration of foreigners upon their arrival in India and enforces restrictions on movement, name changes, and access to protected or restricted areas.
Educational institutions, hospitals, and other establishments catering to foreigners will be required to report their presence to the immigration authorities.
Stringent Penalties for Violations
The bill proposes harsh penalties for immigration violations. Entering India without a valid passport or visa may lead to imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh. Individuals using forged documents could face a prison sentence of two to seven years and a fine ranging between Rs 1 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. Similarly, overstaying, breaching visa conditions, or unauthorized access to restricted zones could result in up to three years of imprisonment, a fine of Rs 3 lakh, or both.
Accountability of Transport Carriers
The bill also places accountability on transport carriers responsible for bringing foreigners into India. If any carrier brings in a foreign national without proper travel documents, they may face a penalty of up to Rs 5 lakh. In cases where the passenger is denied entry into the country, the carrier will bear the responsibility for their immediate removal. Failure to comply may result in the seizure of the vehicle or aircraft.
Increased Powers for Immigration Officers
The bill empowers immigration officers with the authority to arrest individuals without a warrant if deemed necessary. The Central Government will have the power to control the movement of foreigners, including blocking their entry or exit or restricting access to designated areas within the country. Additionally, foreign nationals will be required to bear the cost of their exit from India and submit biometric data for identification purposes.
By repealing the outdated immigration laws, the Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025 aims to streamline immigration management, bolster national security, and ensure a structured and regulated entry-exit process for foreign nationals visiting or residing in India.
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