Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025: What are the proposed laws and penalties on violation?
Foreigners Act, 1946, the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939, and the Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000.
The objective is to enhance national security, control immigration procedures, and introduce stricter penalties on foreigners who violate entry and stay conditions.
What are the proposed new laws?
The bill states that any person entering or leaving India must have a valid passport and visa. Further, a foreigner staying in India must have the valid documents unless exempted under Section 33.
It mentions that any foreigner posing a threat to national security, sovereignty or the integrity of the nation will not be allowed into the country or will be denied the permission to stay in India.
Further, the bill aims to mandate registration for foreigners upon arrival, restricting their movement, name changes, and access to protected and restricted areas.
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The bill mandates Educational institutions, hospitals and nursing homes to report the registration of foreign nationals to immigration authorities.
If foreigners with dual citizenship is being checked by an immigration officer, they will be treated the citizen of the country on whose passport or travel document they had entered into India
Violations and penalties
As per the bill, violations will attract heavy penalties. Arriving in India without a valid passport or visa may attract imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh. Foreigners using forged documents could face a jail term of two to seven years, with fines ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.
Additionally, overstaying, violating visa conditions or trespassing in restricted areas could result in three years imprisonment and