The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 (“Bill”) has been introduced in the Lok Sabha on 12th March 2025. The Bill modernize and consolidate laws governing immigration and foreigners in India. It aims to replace outdated statutes, including the Foreigners Act, 1946, the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939, and the Immigration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 Bill provides a comprehensive legal framework for immigration control, foreigner registration, visa regulations, and penalties for violations.
Key Provisions of the Bill
1. Passport, Visa, and Immigration Controls :
◾ Mandatory passport and visa requirements for foreigners entering India.
◾ Immigration officers empowered to verify, seize, or reject travel documents if found to be forged, expired, or issued fraudulently.
◾ Establishment of Immigration Posts at designated entry and exit points.
2. Registration and Monitoring of Foreigners
◾ Compulsory registration of foreigners on arrival in India.
◾ Educational institutions, hospitals, and accommodation providers must report foreigner details to authorities.
◾ Restrictions on foreigners visiting protected and restricted areas without special permits.
3. Carrier Responsibility and Penalties
◾ Transport carriers (airlines, shipping companies, etc.) must ensure passengers have valid documents.
◾ Fines ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh for carriers transporting undocumented foreigners.
◾ Carriers must bear the cost of deporting individuals denied entry.
4. Offences and Punishments
◾ Illegal entry into India punishable with up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of ₹5 lakh.
◾ Use of fake or fraudulently obtained documents punishable with 2 to 7 years imprisonment and a fine of ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
◾ Overstaying a visa or violating visa conditions punishable with up to 3 years imprisonment and a fine of ₹3 lakh.
◾ Abetment of illegal entry or stay punishable with the same penalties as the primary offence.
5. Enforcement Powers
◾ Immigration officers empowered to arrest suspected violators without a warrant.
◾ Central government can issue deportation orders for foreigners violating laws or posing a security risk.
6. Rule-Making and Exemptions
◾ Central Government has wide powers to issue rules and exemptions in specific cases.
◾ Special provisions for diplomats, refugees, and foreign nationals from specific countries based on international agreements.
Conclusion
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 seeks to streamline immigration laws, strengthen border security, and impose stricter penalties on violations. By integrating various laws into one comprehensive framework, it enhances efficiency, security, and compliance mechanisms while providing the government with greater control over foreigner entry, stay, and exit.
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