The Lok Sabha passed the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 on Thursday. The Bill aims to replace four existing laws governing immigration, namely the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939, the Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while discussing the Bill in lower House of the Parliament on Thursday, said that those who pose a threat to national security will not be allowed to enter the nation. "The nation is not a 'Dharamshala'...If someone comes to the nation to give their contribution to the development of the nation, they are always welcome," he said.
The bill, introduced on March 11, 2025, seeks to consolidate and modernise existing immigration laws by repealing four previous acts dating back to the early and mid-20th century.
The new legislation introduces sweeping changes to how foreigners enter, stay, and move within India. Key provisions include mandatory visa requirements for all foreign nationals, establishing a centralised Bureau of Immigration to manage entry and exit processes, and implementing stringent registration protocols for foreign visitors, as per reports.
One of the most notable aspects of the bill is its expanded powers for governmental control. The legislation empowers the central government to regulate premises frequented by foreigners, with authorities having the ability to close establishments, modify their usage, or restrict entry for specific classes of foreign nationals.
The bill introduces more comprehensive reporting mechanisms, requiring carriers, educational institutions, and medical facilities to provide detailed information about foreign passengers, students, and patients.
Transportation providers must now obtain clearance from Immigration Officers before departing, and must submit comprehensive passenger declarations, as per reports.
Penalties for non-compliance have been significantly strengthened. Foreigners entering India without valid travel documents now face potential imprisonment of up to five years and fines reaching five lakh rupees.
The arrest powers have also been expanded, with police officers of the rank of Head Constable now authorised to make warrantless arrests for immigration violations.
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 represents a comprehensive overhaul of India's immigration framework, providing the government with more robust tools to manage and monitor foreign entry and movement while establishing clear legal guidelines for both authorities and foreign nationals.
After receiving clearance from the Lok Sabha, the Bill will now proceed to the Rajya Sabha for discussion and approval before becoming the law of the land.
