New Immigration Bill Seeks to Overhaul Entry Rules in India

Why in the News?

The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 was introduced in Lok Sabha to replace four outdated laws, streamline immigration processes, enhance national security, and impose stricter penalties for violations like overstaying visas and using forged documents.

New Immigration Bill Seeks to Overhaul Entry Rules in India

Overview of the Bill:

  • The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, introduced in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister Nityanand Rai, aims to streamline immigration laws.
  • It seeks to replace four outdated laws:
    • Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920
    • Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939
    • Foreigners Act, 1946
    • Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000
  • The Bill focuses on national security while ensuring a welcoming environment for tourists.
  • It aims to eliminate overlapping provisions and create a comprehensive framework for immigration policies.

Opposition and Concerns

  • Opposition leaders criticized the bill, calling it unconstitutional and a violation of fundamental rights.
  • Congress MP Manish Tewari argued it could be used to deny entry based on ideology.
  • TMC’s Saugata Roy feared it might limit foreign talent from entering India.
  • Despite concerns, the government maintains the bill enhances security while simplifying immigration processes.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

  • Institutions (hospitals, universities, private residences) must report foreign visitors staying on their premises.
  • Airlines and shipping vessels must remove passengers denied entry and share passenger data in advance.
  • Police can arrest foreigners with invalid documents without a warrant.
  • Stricter penalties for violations:
  • ₹5 lakh fine & up to 5 years imprisonment for entering without a passport.
  • ₹10 lakh fine & 2-7 years imprisonment for using forged documents.
  • ₹3 lakh fine & up to 3 years imprisonment for overstaying visas.