Immigration and Foreigners Bill introduced in Lok Sabha, Opposition objects

The Centre on Tuesday introduced the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha, even as some Opposition members sought to oppose its introduction, claiming it violated certain constitutional principles and fundamental rights, charges that the government rejected.

The bill, which proposes to replace four existing laws governing various aspects related to foreigners in the country and to define the powers of immigration authorities, envisages a major overhaul of India's immigration laws and grants the government powers to restrict the entry of foreigners deemed to pose a threat to national security. It seeks to empower the government to impose stiff penalties on foreigners who violate norms and puts the burden of legal status on such individuals.

Introduced by minister of state for home Nityanand Rai, the bill will be taken up later for discussion before being considered for passing.


Objecting to the introduction of the bill, Manish Tewari of Congress said it did not adhere to the constitutional provisions and that it violated the fundamental rights, lamenting it did not provide any provisions for a mechanism for appeal against decisions taken by immigration officers. He said the bill can also bar the entry of certain Indians settled abroad which, he said, could mean the government barring the movement of people with views not conforming with the ruling establishment.

Tewari urged the government to withdraw the bill or refer it to a joint parliamentary committee. Saugata Roy of Trinamool Congress also opposed the bill, especially provisions requiring medical institutions to report the details of foreigners receiving treatment to authorities. He said the bill would restrict the entry of foreigners and talent into India.

Rejecting all the charges, Rai argued that regulating the entries of foreign nationals globally is the prerogative of the concerned countries' immigration officers. "We are committed to drawing tourism from abroad. However, we also aspire to preserve peace and sovereignty of the country... The provisions of the law are important for national security," Rai said. The bill was then introduced with a voice vote.