Immigration bill may be introduced this session

The Centre is all set to bring the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, in the budget session beginning Friday to streamline and codify various provisions related to immigration and visa issues, said officials. The bill was shared by the government during the all-party meeting before the budget session.

As per officials, the discussion to bring amendments and update the process has been underway with stakeholders steered by the home ministry. Bureau of Immigration has studied best practices followed across countries, such as the US, the UK, among others, said officials.

As of now, a temporary landing permit, up to a maximum of three days, can be given to a foreigner national. The new provision is likely to relax the permit and include any medical emergency, which is at present dealt on a case-to-case basis, they added. The current provision does not allow a permit to a national of Afghanistan, China, Ethiopia, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Sri Lanka, and foreign nationals of Pakistan origin even if he or she is transiting through India and has a confirmed onward journey ticket.


In respect of nationals of Bangladesh and China, provisions as available in the bilateral agreements and policy guidelines, as issued from time to time, are applicable, as per MHA guidelines.

Sources said three laws of the pre-Independence era deal with entry, stay and exit of foreigners. They are: Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939; Foreigners Act, 1946; and The Indian Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920.

The latest legal requirements will deal with changing dynamics of immigration and entry of foreigners.

Another thing under consideration is India's porous borders, which also need to be regulated.