Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 introduced in Lok Sabha

Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on Tuesday introduced the the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025. The bill proposes an overhaul of India’s immigration laws.

The new bill, once passed, will replace colonial-era laws, including the Foreigners Act, 1946, the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939, and the Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000.

The objective is to enhance national security, control immigration procedures, and introduce stricter penalties on foreigners who violate entry and stay conditions.

What does the bill contain?

The bill mentions that any foreigner posing a threat to national security, sovereignty or the integrity of the nation will not be allowed into the country or will be denied the permission to stay in India.

Further, it aims to mandate registration for foreigners upon arrival, restricting their movement, name changes, and access to protected and restricted areas.

Educational institutions, hospitals and nursing homes will have to report of foreign nationals to immigration authorities.

As per the bill, violations will attract heavy penalties. Arriving in India without a valid passport or visa may attract imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh. Foreigners using forged documents could face a jail term of two to seven years, with fines ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.

Additionally, overstaying, violating visa conditions or trespassing in restricted areas could result in three years imprisonment and fine of up to Rs 3 lakh.

Transport carriers carrying foreigners without valid documents will be held liable and can be fined up to Rs 5 lakh. It could also lead to potential seizure of their transport if penalties are not paid. If a foreigner is denied entry, the carrier will be responsible for their immediate removal from India.

The bill also gives authority to immigration officers to arrest individuals without a warrant and gives powers to the central government to regulate the movement of foreigners. Further, no person can not leave the country if their presence is required by any authorised agency.