Context:
The Union Home Ministry has introduced the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, which proposes stricter penalties for using forged passports and visas in India. The bill aims to streamline the country’s immigration system while ensuring better control over foreign nationals' entry, movement, and stay within the country. Here’s a breakdown of key aspects of the bill.
Key features of the bill:
1. Stricter Penalties for Forged Passport Use
The most notable provision in the proposed Immigration Bill is the imposition of severe penalties for anyone caught using a forged passport or visa. Offenders could face up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to ₹10 lakh.
The bill also stipulates a minimum sentence of two years for those caught using fraudulent travel documents for entering, staying, or exiting India. This measure is expected to curb illegal immigration and fraud in the immigration process.
2. Empowering the Government to Regulate Foreigners' Movement
The bill introduces significant powers for the Union government to control and regulate the movement of foreigners within India.
Key provisions include mandatory reporting of foreign nationals’ details by hotels, educational institutions, hospitals, and other establishments. This would help authorities track foreigners who overstay their visas or engage in illegal activities.
The bill also mandates that international airlines and ships submit detailed passenger and crew manifests, enhancing the government's ability to monitor foreign nationals arriving in the country.
3. Modernizing Immigration Laws
The new bill seeks to simplify and modernize the legal framework governing foreign nationals in India. It will replace four outdated laws: the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939, the Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Immigration (Carriers' Liability) Act, 2000.
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, brings together provisions from these laws while updating them to meet contemporary needs. It also introduces new provisions for enhanced tracking of overstaying foreigners and illegal migration, which have become pressing concerns for the government.
4. Promoting National Security and Economic Growth
The bill strikes a balance between national security and economic growth. On one hand, it strengthens regulations to combat illegal immigration and track foreigners more effectively. On the other, it promotes ease of business and tourism.
5. Streamlining Foreigners’ Stay and Exit Process
The new legislation introduces comprehensive guidelines for the stay and exit of foreigners in India. It mandates the registration of foreigners who stay for more than 180 days under specific visa categories (student, medical, employment, etc.) within 14 days of arrival.
The bill also simplifies the process for visa-on-arrival and electronic visas and ensures better coordination between State governments, Union Territories, and the Bureau of Immigration (BoI).
Foreigners in specific protected areas, such as the Northeastern States, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and parts of Jammu & Kashmir, will still need special permits to travel, ensuring the country’s strategic areas are safeguarded.
Conclusion:
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, represents a significant overhaul of India's immigration framework. By addressing the growing challenges of illegal migration, forged travel documents, and overstaying foreigners, the bill is designed to ensure both national security and economic benefits. While it provides stronger penalties, it also streamlines processes to make India more accessible for legitimate foreign visitors, aligning with the government’s broader policy goals.
