Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025:
The Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 came into effect on 1st September 2025, consolidating India’s immigration laws, imposing stricter penalties for forged documents, and strengthening reporting and monitoring of foreigners.
- It repeals four outdated laws: the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939, the Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Immigration (Carriers’ Liability)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 Provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025:
- Tougher Penalties for Forged Travel Documents: 2–7 years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1–10 lakh for using or supplying forged passports, visas, or other travel documents.
- Up to 5 years imprisonment or Rs 5 lakh fine for foreigners entering restricted areas without valid authorization.
- Mandatory Reporting of Foreigners’ Details: Hotels, universities, educational institutions, hospitals, and nursing homes must report information about foreign nationals staying or visiting.
- International airlines and shipping companies are required to share advance passenger and crew data before arrival.
- Government Control Over Premises: Central government empowered to regulate or shut down premises frequently visited by foreigners if deemed necessary for security reasons.
- Bureau of Immigration: It grants statutory backing to the Bureau of Immigration (established in 1971 under the Intelligence Bureau) to identify, detain, and deport illegal foreigners.
