Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025

Why in news?

Minister of Home Affairs is poised to present the Immigration & Foreigners Bill, 2025 in the upcoming 2^nd phase of the Budget session.

• Aim – To streamline and update India’s immigration system by abolishing 4 current laws.
• It simplifies a range of services concerning immigration and foreign nationals, including their arrival, departure, and residency in the nation.
• Revocation of 4 current statutes – Regulating immigration & foreign national services such as:
  1. The Passport (Entry into India) Act of 1920
  2. The Foreigners Act of 1946
  3. The Registration of Foreigners Act of 1939
  4. The Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act of 2000
• Key provisions of the bill:

• Bureau of Immigration – It will be in charge of regulating the entry and exit of foreigners along with any other functions that the Centre prescribes.
• It is headed by a chairman and is assisted by other officers.
• Restrictions on Foreigners – Foreign nationals may be denied entry if considered a risk to national security, sovereignty, public health or international relations.
• Decisions made by Immigration Officials will be final and binding.
• New Regulatory Powers of central government – The bill empower the Central government to issue orders on the following:
  • Specific entry and departure points for foreigners upon arrival.
  • Prohibit a foreigner from remaining in India.
  • Require the foreigner to stay in a specified area or residence in India.
  • Require the foreigner to present themselves for examination, provide necessary information, submit proof of identity, biometric data and undergo a medical examination.
  • Prohibit association with specified persons, engagement in specified activities and possession or use of specified articles.
• Universities, educational institutions must provide information to the Government when admitting foreigners.
• Penal provisions – Punishes foreigners who:
  • Overstay – Up to 3 years and or Rs 3 lakh fine.
  • Enter without valid documents – Up to 5 years and or Rs 5 lakh fine.
  • Using forged travel documents – 2-7 years and or Rs 1-10 lakh fine.

A carrier has been defined as a person or entity engaged in the business of transporting passengers or cargo by air, water or land by aircraft or ship or any other mode of transport.

• Restrictions on carriers – Under Section 17, carriers entering or leaving India are required to share information with an immigration officer or with a District Magistrate/Police Commissioner when asked.

References

1. The Indian Express | Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025
2. Economic Times | Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025