New Delhi: On the day the Waqf Amendment Bill was being fiercely debated in the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha cleared the Immigration and Foreigners Bill that aims to tighten the screws on illegal immigrants. This Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on March 28.
What does this Bill say?
Powers of officers:
An immigration officer will now be able to make an arrest without warrant. The Act also empowers the Centre to regulate the movement of foreigners. No person can leave the country if her/his presence is required by any authorised agency.
Up-to-date data:
Every foreigner who visits India will be closely monitored. A watch will be kept on her/his movements to ascertain the purpose of the visit and duration of stay.
Restrictions on Foreigners:
Any foreigner who poses a threat to India’s security, sovereignty and integrity, will not be granted a visa. In case such person manages a visa and lands on Indian soil, s/he will be denied residence and deported.
Registration of Foreigners:
All foreigners visiting India will have to register their details and follow certain rules. They cannot change their names or visit protected and restricted areas.
Reporting Mandatory:
Every educational institution, hospital or nursing home will have to report the visit of every foreign national. Failure to do so will attract heavy penalty.
Penalties and Fines:
Entering India without a valid passport and/or visa can attract a jail term of five years and a fine of Rs 5 lakh. Using forged documents can attract a sentence of 2-7 years with a fine of Rs 1-10 lakh. Overstaying, violation of visa rules and trespassing in restricted and protected areas will attract a jail term of 3 years and fine of Rs 3 lakh.
Rules for Transport Carriers:
A transport carrier carrying foreigners without valid documents will be held responsible and fined up to Rs 5 lakh. If penalty is not paid, the transport may be seized. A transport carrier will also be responsible for the immediate removal of a foreigner who has been denied entry to India.
