Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025:
With an aim to enhance national security, the government on Tuesday introduced the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 in Parliament.
- The Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025 aims to streamline immigration laws, strengthen national security, and impose stricter penalties for violations.
- The bill proposes to replace four colonial-era laws, including the Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, to create a single, modern legal framework.
- The bill prioritises national security and sovereignty, stating that any foreigner posing a threat to India’s integrity will be denied entry or permission to stay.
- Immigration officers can arrest without a warrant if they suspect a foreigner of violating immigration laws. They can also restrict movements and name changes.
- Foreigners must register upon arrival and report any changes in movement or identity. Institutions like hospitals and schools must notify authorities about foreigners under their care.
- All foreigners need a valid passport and visa to enter or leave India. Carriers are responsible for ensuring passengers have proper documents or face fines and transport seizure.
- Penalties for Violations:
- No valid documents – Up to 5 years jail, ₹5 lakh fine
- Forged documents – 2 to 7 years jail, ₹1–10 lakh fine
- Overstaying – Up to 3 years jail, ₹3 lakh fine
- Transporting foreigners without papers – ₹5 lakh fine and vehicle seizure
- Foreigners with dual citizenship will be treated as citizens of the country whose passport they used to enter India.
