New Immigration Bill 2025: Govt mulls stiffer fines, imprisonment for those entering India illegally
India without a valid passport or visa could face imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh under the proposed Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025. The bill, which is set to be introduced in the Lok Sabha this session, aims to consolidate existing laws on immigration and foreigners by replacing four Acts—Foreigners Act, 1946; Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920; Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939; and Immigration (Carriers' Liability) Act, 2000.
Acording to a TOI report, for those using forged travel documents, the minimum jail term will be two years, which may extend to seven years, along with a fine ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. Currently, the maximum punishment for entering India with a forged passport is eight years in prison and a fine of up to Rs 50,000.
The bill also introduces provisions making higher educational institutions and universities responsible for sharing details of foreign students with the designated registration officer. This rule extends to hospitals, nursing homes, and medical institutions offering lodging facilities to foreigners.
Foreign nationals overstaying their visa, violating visa conditions, or entering prohibited areas could face up to three years in prison, a fine of up to Rs 3 lakh, or both. Additionally, carriers found transporting foreigners without valid documents could be fined up to Rs 5 lakh by immigration officers. Failure to pay the fine may lead to seizure or detention of the transport vehicle, which could include aircraft, ships, or
