Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025

Immigration and Foreigners Bill Latest News

With an aim to enhance national security, the government on Tuesday introduced the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 in Parliament.

About Immigration and Foreigners Bill

• 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.

Immigration and Foreigners Bill Key features

• National Secuirty: 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.
• Powers of Immigration Officers: Immigration officers can arrest without a warrant if they suspect a foreigner of violating immigration laws. They can also restrict movements and name changes.
• Registration and Reporting Requirements: 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.
• Strict Entry and Stay Regulations: 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
• Handling of Dual Citizenship: Foreigners with dual citizenship will be treated as citizens of the country whose passport they used to enter India.

Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 FAQs

Q1. What is the purpose of the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025?

Ans. The bill aims to streamline immigration laws, enhance national security, and impose stricter penalties for violations to modernise the legal framework.

Q2. What are the key penalties under the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025?

Ans. Penalties include up to 5 years in jail and ₹5 lakh fine for no valid documents, and vehicle seizure for transporting foreigners without papers.

Q3. How will the bill affect foreigners with dual citizenship?

Ans. Foreigners with dual citizenship will be treated as citizens of the country whose passport they used to enter India.

Source: BT