Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 Passed by Lok Sabha
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, introduced in Lok Sabha on March 11, 2025, has been passed, aiming to regulate the entry, stay, and exit of foreigners in India. It replaces earlier laws, including the Passport (Entry into India) Act (1920), the Registration of Foreigners Act (1939), the Foreigners Act (1946), and the Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act (2000).
Key Highlights:
- Immigration Control: All foreigners entering or leaving India must possess valid passports and visas or equivalent travel documents. Immigration officers at designated immigration posts will examine these documents.
- Bureau of Immigration: A dedicated Bureau of Immigration, headed by a Commissioner appointed by the central government, will manage immigration duties like visa issuance, regulating entry, transit, stay, movement, and exit from India.
- Mandatory Registration: Foreign nationals must register with a Registration Officer upon arrival in India.
- Obligation to Report Information: Carriers transporting passengers by air, sea, or land must provide details of passengers and crew to immigration authorities. Similarly, hotels, educational institutions, and medical institutions must furnish information regarding foreign nationals.
- Expanded Definition of Carriers: The term ‘carrier’ now includes entities transporting passengers or cargo by air, water, or land. Clearance from immigration authorities is mandatory before any carrier departs from India.
- Enhanced Penalties: Violations such as entering India without valid documents could lead to imprisonment of up to five years and/or a fine of up to five lakh rupees.
- Power of Arrest: Police officers of rank Head Constable or above can arrest individuals without a warrant for immigration violations.
(Source: PRS Legislative Research)
You can access the full text of the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, on PRS Legislative Research’s website
