Udaipur, March 12, 2025 - The Indian government introduced the Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025 in Lok Sabha on March 11, 2025. The bill aims to streamline immigration laws, strengthen national security, and impose stricter penalties for violations. Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai said the bill is not meant to discourage travellers but to ensure strict compliance with immigration rules.

Colonial-Era Laws to Be Replaced

The bill proposes to replace four old laws, including the Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920. It will create a single, modern legal framework for immigration. Foreigners threatening India's integrity will be denied entry or stay. They must register on arrival, face movement restrictions, and can be arrested without a warrant for immigration violations.

Strict Requirements for Entry and Stay

• Valid passport and visa are mandatory for entry and exit.

• Airlines and transport operators will be held responsible for bringing in passengers without valid documents.

• Educational institutions, hospitals, and nursing homes must report foreign nationals under their care.

• If a foreigner is denied entry, the carrier must immediately remove them from India or face fines and possible transport seizure.

Strict Penalties for Violations

• Arriving without valid documents → 5 years in prison + Rs 5 lakh fine

• Using fake documents → 2-7 years in prison + Rs 1-10 lakh fine

• Overstaying visa → Up to 3 years in prison + Rs 3 lakh fine

• Transporting foreigners without papers - Rs 5 lakh fine + vehicle seizure

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

The bill is currently under parliamentary scrutiny, and its final version may bring major changes to India’s immigration system.