The government introduced the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, to curb illegal immigration. The bill proposes stringent punishments, enhanced surveillance of foreign nationals, and the replacement of outdated laws with modern regulations.
Parliament: The central government introduced the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha to prevent illegal immigration and infiltration. Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, while introducing the bill on Tuesday, stated that its aim is not to prevent anyone from entering the country, but to ensure that all foreign nationals who enter India comply with the nation's laws. This bill will grant the government greater authority to regulate the entry, residence, and departure of foreign nationals. However, the Congress and TMC have opposed the bill.
Why was this bill introduced?
The bill aims to modernize and strengthen India's immigration regulations. It will empower the government to enforce visa and registration rules effectively.
- The bill prohibits the entry or residence of any foreigner deemed a threat to national security, sovereignty, and integrity.
- Registration upon arrival will be mandatory for all foreign nationals.
- Entry into restricted or protected areas will be completely banned for foreign nationals.
- Educational institutions, hospitals, and other organizations will be required to provide information about foreign nationals to immigration authorities.
Strict Penalties for Rule Violations
The proposed bill includes stringent penalties for those illegally entering India.
- Entering without a valid passport or visa: Imprisonment up to 5 years and a fine up to ₹500,000.
- Using forged documents: Imprisonment from 2 to 7 years and a fine from ₹100,000 to ₹1,000,000.
- Violation of visa conditions: Imprisonment up to 3 years and a fine up to ₹300,000.
- Transporters bringing in foreign nationals without proper documentation: A fine up to ₹500,000, with vehicle confiscation for non-payment.
- Immigration officers will be granted the authority to make warrantless arrests.
The new bill will replace four older laws
This bill seeks to replace four older laws with a new, comprehensive one.
Foreigners Act, 1946
Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920
Foreigners Registration Act, 1939
Immigration (Carriers Liability) Act, 2000
The government argues that these laws are outdated and that a modern, integrated law is needed to meet India's security needs.
Opposition's Resistance
While introducing the bill, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai stated that it is entirely constitutional and brought under the Seventh Schedule. He clarified that the government is not creating this law to prevent anyone from entering, but rather to ensure that all foreign nationals entering India comply with the country's laws.
However, Congress MP Manish Tewari opposed the bill, calling it a violation of fundamental rights. He alleged that the bill is not in line with the Constitution and demands information about foreign nationals, including their hospitalization, which he claims goes against medical ethics. Tewari demanded that the bill be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) or withdrawn.
