The immigration and foreigners bill, 2025: New bill to be introduced in the session

What is the Bill about?

• The Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act 2000, the Foreigners Act 1946, the Passport (Entry into India) Act 1920 and the Registration of Foreigners Act 1939 are the current laws governing foreigners and immigration.
• The following three laws were passed prior to the Constitution, and particularly during World War I and World War II.
• Now we must repeal these laws and pass the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, which will be a new comprehensive law.
• The new law should avoid legal duplication and overlap.
• Control immigration matters relating to foreign nationals (viz. visas, registration, travel documents (passports, etc. )
• Simplify the processes for people coming into and going out of India.

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Key Provisions

• Foreigners must register on arrival, cannot move house, change names and cannot stay in protected or restricted areas.
• You must be able to prove that you are not a foreigner.
• Penalty for entering India without a valid passport/ visa - imprisonment for up to five years and fine of up to Rs five lakh
• Faking of documents for entry, stay or exit: 2–7 years and a fine of Rs 1–10 lakh
• Those who violate visa conditions, overstay or enter restricted areas can be fined up to Rs 3 lakh, imprisoned for three years or both.
• Reporting: Schools, universities, hospitals and nursing homes must report foreigners to the registration officer.
• Transporters who transport foreign nationals without documents will be fined up to Rs 5 lakh and if they don’t pay, vehicles may be seized.
• The Immigration Officer will then hand over the foreigner to the transport carrier to ensure that he is removed from India promptly after denying entry.
• It gives immigration officials the power to detain them without a warrant.
• Government power: The bill also gives the central government more power to restrict foreigners’ movements, including the ability to block entry, stop flights and deny access to specific regions.
• The foreigners will have to give biometric data and pay for their own travel.