Modi Government Tables Immigration And Foreigners Bill 2025, Proposes Tighter Visa Rules—Here's All About It

The Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday (11 March) by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, reported The Economic Times.

The bill seeks to overhaul India’s immigration framework, replacing several colonial-era laws, including the Foreigners Act 1946, the Passport (Entry into India) Act 1920, the Registration of Foreigners Act 1939, and the Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act 2000.

Key Provisions of the Bill

The proposed law aims to streamline various aspects of foreigners' entry, stay, and exit from India while introducing stricter penalties for violations. Some of its notable provisions include:

• Foreigners posing a threat to India's sovereignty, integrity, or national security will be denied entry or stay in the country.

• Mandatory Registration: Foreigners will be required to register upon arrival, with restrictions on movement, name changes, and access to sensitive areas.

• Institutional Reporting: Educational institutions, hospitals, and nursing homes will be obligated to report foreign nationals to immigration authorities.

• Strict Penalties for Violations:

  • Entering India without valid documents: Up to five years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5 lakh.

  • Using forged documents: Jail term of two to seven years, with fines ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.

  • Overstaying, visa violations, or trespassing in restricted areas: Up to three years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 3 lakh.

  • Transporting foreigners without valid documents: Carriers can be fined up to Rs 5 lakh, and their vehicles may be seized if penalties remain unpaid.

  • Denial of entry: If a foreigner is denied entry, the transport carrier will be responsible for their immediate removal from India.

The bill grants immigration officers the power to arrest individuals without a warrant and gives the central government authority to regulate the movement of foreigners.

Additionally, foreigners cannot leave India if their presence is required by any authorised agency.

Addressing opposition concerns over the bill’s constitutional validity, Nityanand Rai asserted that immigration and foreigner-related issues fall under the Union List, making it well within Parliament’s jurisdiction to enact such legislation. 

He emphasised that while India remains open to tourists, the government has a duty to protect the country’s peace and sovereignty.

Currently, long-term foreign visitors (students, medical patients, researchers, employees, missionaries, and project visa holders staying over 180 days) must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) or the Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) within 14 days of arrival. Pakistani nationals are required to register within 24 hours.