The Union Home Ministry has introduced the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, which aims to replace four existing immigration laws with a single, comprehensive framework. The bill proposes stringent penalties for illegal entry, fake documents, and overstaying foreigners while introducing new tracking and monitoring mechanisms.
Stricter Penalties for Illegal Immigration
Under the proposed bill, individuals using forged passports or visas to enter, stay, or exit India could face up to seven years in prison and fines of up to ₹10 lakh. Those entering without valid documents could be penalized with up to five years in jail and fines of up to ₹5 lakh.
Mandatory Reporting by Hotels, Universities, and Airlines
To monitor the movement of foreigners, the bill requires hotels, universities, hospitals, and other institutions to report the stay of foreign nationals on their premises. Additionally, international airlines and ships must provide advance passenger and crew details before arriving at Indian ports to help authorities track visitors more efficiently.
Government’s Power to Regulate ‘Frequented Places’
The bill grants the government authority to regulate and monitor places frequently visited by foreigners. Premises owners may be required to impose specific conditions, restrict access, or shut down operations in certain cases to safeguard national security.
Replacing Outdated Laws for a Modern Framework
India’s immigration laws currently rely on four different acts:
- The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920
- The Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939
- The Foreigners Act, 1946
- The Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000
The new bill consolidates these laws into a single, updated legal framework, making immigration policies more transparent and effective.
Balancing Security and Economic Growth
While the bill tightens security, it also aims to streamline processes for legal travelers, businesses, and tourists. The government believes these reforms will strengthen national security while ensuring smooth immigration procedures for legitimate visitors.
Conclusion
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, marks a significant shift in India’s immigration policy. By introducing stricter regulations and modern tracking mechanisms, the government aims to enhance security while supporting economic and tourism growth.
