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Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025
- Parliament has approved the Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025 with the Rajya Sabha's nod, following the Lok Sabha's earlier approval.
- The legislation aims to modernise immigration laws by consolidating and replacing several older acts, such as the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939, Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000.
Key Facts and Figures:
- Approval Process:
- Rajya Sabha: Passed by voice vote.
- Lok Sabha: Previously approved on March 28, 2025.
- Penalties and Enforcement:
- Up to seven years imprisonment and fines up to ₹10 lakh for using forged documents.
- Specific penalties for overstaying, visa violations, and trespassing in restricted areas.
- Mandatory reporting by hotels, universities, hospitals, and other institutions for tracking foreign visitors.
- Visitor Data:
- According to government data, nearly 98.40 lakh foreigners visited India between April 2023 and March 2024.
Contributing Factors:
Modernisation and Consolidation:
- According to government data, nearly 98.40 lakh foreigners visited India between April 2023 and March 2024.
- The Bill has been introduced after three years of deep deliberation to eliminate overlapping laws and enhance the efficiency of immigration management.
- It intends to centralise data collection on foreigners, ensuring up-to-date records and robust tracking of visitors.
Enhanced National Security:
- By empowering immigration officers with extended powers—including the ability to arrest without a warrant—the Bill aims to tighten controls on individuals posing a threat to national security.
- The legislation differentiates between foreigners coming for business, education, and investment and those who may create unrest.
International Best Practices:
- The new framework aligns with global standards, mirroring systems in place in several countries to manage and monitor immigration effectively.