Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025: Key Provisions, Impact and Significance

In a significant move to modernize India’s immigration framework, Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, introduced the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 in the Parliament. The proposed bill aims to replace colonial-era laws with a more structured and stringent immigration system to enhance national security, regulate foreign nationals, and introduce stricter penalties for violations of entry and stay conditions.

Existing Laws to be Replaced

The bill proposes to repeal four existing laws that currently govern India’s immigration and foreigner management system. These laws are:

• The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920
• The Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939
• The Foreigners Act, 1946
• The Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000

The government justifies the introduction of this new bill by stating that it aims to remove overlapping provisions, ensure a simplified legal framework, and provide better control over foreign nationals in the country.

Key Provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025

1. Entry Restrictions for Foreigners

The bill specifies that any foreigner who poses a threat to national security, sovereignty, or the integrity of the nation will be denied entry into India or will not be permitted to stay in the country. This provision reinforces India’s stance on tightening border security and immigration control.

2. Mandatory Registration and Movement Restrictions

Under the new bill, foreign nationals will be required to register upon arrival in India. Additional regulations include:

• Restriction of movement within India, preventing access to protected and restricted areas without prior permission.
• Limiting name changes and identity modifications.
• Educational institutions, hospitals, and nursing homes will be obligated to report foreign nationals’ presence to immigration authorities.

3. Stricter Penalties for Violations

The bill introduces severe punishments for foreigners who violate entry and stay conditions in India. The penalties include:

• Illegal entry without a valid passport or visa: Up to 5 years of imprisonment and a fine of ₹5 lakh.
• Usage of forged documents: Jail term of 2 to 7 years, with fines ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
• Overstaying or violating visa conditions: Up to 3 years of imprisonment and a fine of ₹3 lakh.
• Trespassing in restricted areas: Strict legal action, including detention and deportation.

4. Liability of Transport Carriers

The bill places significant responsibility on transport carriers, including airlines, shipping companies, and other means of transportation. Key provisions include:

• Carriers transporting foreigners without valid documents will be subject to a fine of up to ₹5 lakh.
• If a foreigner is denied entry into India, the carrier will be responsible for their immediate removal.
• Failure to comply could lead to seizure of the transport vehicle if penalties are not paid.

5. Powers of Immigration Officers

The bill enhances the authority of immigration officials by granting them the power to:

• Arrest individuals without a warrant if they are found violating immigration laws.
• Regulate the movement and stay of foreigners.
• Restrict exit from India if a foreigner’s presence is required for investigation or security purposes.

6. Advance Passenger Data Requirement

To bolster security measures, airlines and vessels will be required to share passenger and crew data with immigration authorities before arrival in India. This provision aims to:

• Identify potential security threats in advance.
• Enable real-time monitoring of incoming and outgoing travelers.

Impact and Significance of the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025

1. Strengthening National Security

The bill aligns with India’s objective of ensuring stronger border control and monitoring foreign nationals to prevent illegal immigration, espionage, and terrorism-related activities.

2. Simplification and Modernization of Immigration Laws

By replacing four separate laws with a comprehensive legal framework, the government aims to remove legal ambiguities and create a streamlined system that is easier to implement and enforce.

3. Better Control Over Foreigners in India

Mandatory registration, stricter penalties, and movement restrictions will ensure that foreign nationals comply with Indian laws and do not pose a threat to national security and public order.

4. Increased Accountability of Transport Carriers

By holding airlines, shipping companies, and other carriers accountable, the bill seeks to prevent human trafficking, illegal immigration, and visa violations.

Statistics on Foreign Visitors to India

According to the latest government data, a total of 9,840,321 foreigners visited India between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024. The new bill is expected to have a significant impact on the way India regulates and manages such large numbers of foreign nationals.

Summary of the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025

Category	Details
Why in News?	Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, introduced the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, in Parliament to modernize India’s immigration framework.
Objective	Replace colonial-era laws with a structured system to enhance national security, regulate foreign nationals, and impose stricter penalties for violations.
Existing Laws to be Repealed	1. The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 2. The Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939 3. The Foreigners Act, 1946 4. The Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000
Key Provisions	1. Entry Restrictions – Foreigners posing a threat to national security will be denied entry or stay. 2. Mandatory Registration & Movement Restrictions – Foreigners must register upon arrival; restricted movement within protected areas. 3. Stricter Penalties – Up to 7 years imprisonment and ₹10 lakh fine for document forgery; ₹5 lakh fine for illegal entry. 4. Carrier Liability – Airlines and transporters must ensure valid documents or face a fine up to ₹5 lakh. 5. Powers of Immigration Officers – Officials can arrest without a warrant, regulate movement, and restrict exit if necessary. 6. Advance Passenger Data – Airlines must provide passenger and crew data before arrival.
Impact & Significance	1. National Security – Prevents illegal immigration, espionage, and terrorism. 2. Modernization – Simplifies and streamlines immigration laws. 3. Control Over Foreigners – Ensures compliance with visa conditions. 4. Carrier Accountability – Prevents human trafficking and visa violations.
Foreign Visitors to India (2023-24)	9,840,321 foreigners visited India between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024.