New Delhi: The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 that seeks to streamline various services related to immigration and foreigners, including their entry, exit and stay in India, was introduced in the Lok Sabha (lower house of Indian Parliament). If this law is passed, foreigners can be denied visas on national security grounds in India. Their movements can be restricted, and they can be penalised for violating rules governing their entry into, and exit from, India. Minister of state (MoS) home affairs Nityanand Rai introduced the bill and said, “We are not bringing this law to stop anyone from coming to India….More people are welcome in India, but they must adhere to the immigration law. The provisions of the law are important for national security.”
Which existing laws may be replaced?
This law will also give government the power to regulate admission of foreigners into universities and hospitals and other educational and medical institutions. It will replace four laws that govern the entry of foreigners and includes the requirement for passports and visas. These four existing laws are—Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920; the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939; the Foreigners Act, 1946; and the Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000. The first three were passed by the British in the post-World War scenario.
What will happen if the bill is passed?
The government’s ability to deport foreigners, or offer exemption, will be specified, according to reports. The new immigration bill, sources told NDTV, is being enacted to avoid multiplicity and overlapping of laws on the same, or related subject. The new law also aims to simplify the language. There are six chapters – with a total of 35 clauses – in this new text, according to reports. It will define the role and function of an immigration officer. It will also define the requirements, including passports, for the issue of visas, and registration of foreigners. Foreigners are, however, will still be required to register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office, in accordance with the Passport (Entry into India) Act, the Foreigners Act, and the Registration of Foreigners Act. The term ‘foreigners’, in this case, also refers to those of Indian origin.
- According to the Home Ministry, those visiting India for more than 180 days, whether for medical, employment, education, or research purposes, must register themselves.
- Tourists are exempt providing they do not stay continuously for more than 180 days.
- Foreigners will continue to be required to carry proof of foreign status – i.e., a passport or an equally applicable document – at all times.
- “… no foreigner shall be allowed to enter into, or stay in India, if s/he is found inadmissible to do so on account of threat to national security, sovereignty, and integrity of India… or on such other grounds as the government may specify.”
- The new bill puts the onus on educational & medical institutions, including hospitals and universities, as well as owners of private residences to inform authorities about foreigners staying in their facilities, reported the Hindustan Times.
- The new law obligates the carriers such as airlines and vessels to remove a passenger denied entry by the immigration officer. It obligates the carriers to provide passenger and crew data to the authorities in advance. It carries a provision of up to ₹5 lakh in fine for violating carriers.
Why are the Opposition parties in India opposing the bill?
Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy said the proposed law could prevent inflow of talent from outside in various fields. Congress MP Manish Tewari opposed the bill at the introduction stage and said it was violative of multiple provisions of the Constitution and various laws. Roy asked that what was the need to have one more law for governing immigration where there are four existing laws? He feared it would stifle academic and medical talent from abroad. He also insisted that excessive bureaucratic control would make India unwelcoming for foreign visitors.
