What Is Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025? How Will It Impact Entry, Stay, Exit of Foreigners in India?

New Delhi: The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, aimed at regulating the entry of foreigners into India and curbing illegal immigration, was passed in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. The purpose of this new legislation is to address matters related to foreigners, including visa requirements, registration, and other travel-related documentation such as passports. It also seeks to streamline the process of people entering and exiting the country, avoiding the multiplicity and overlap of existing laws.

During a debate on the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 in Lok Sabha today, Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasised that immigration is not an isolated issue, as it is linked to several national concerns. From a national security perspective, he stressed the importance of monitoring who enters the country's borders, adding that close attention will be paid to those who may pose a threat to the nation's security.

Amit Shah stated that individuals who threaten national security will not be allowed to enter the country, adding that India is not a ‘Dharamshala.’

He further elaborated, “In the last ten years, India has become the fifth-largest economy. India has emerged as a bright spot among the world's largest economies. India has become a hub of manufacturing, and it is natural for people from all over the world to come to India. However, the number of people taking refuge in India for personal gain and making the country unsafe has also increased. Be it Rohingyas or Bangladeshis, if they come to India to create unrest, strict action will be taken against them.”

What is the new Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025

• According to the Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025, foreigner registration will be mandatory upon their arrival in India. Restrictions will be imposed on their movement, name changes, and stays in protected or restricted areas.
• Foreigners caught without a valid visa or passport may face up to 5 years in prison or a fine of Rs 5 lakh.
• Those who enter, stay, or exit the country using forged documents will be subject to 2–7 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh.
• Foreigners found overstaying, violating visa conditions, or accessing restricted areas may be punished with up to 3 years in jail or a fine of Rs 3 lakh.
• Educational institutions, universities, hospitals, and nursing homes will be required to report foreigners to the registration office.
• Transport companies found serving foreigners without valid documents may face fines of up to Rs 5 lakh. Failure to pay the fine may result in the seizure of their transport license.
• The bill will empower the central government with increased authority over foreigners, including regulating their movement, entry, preventing departure, or prohibiting entry into restricted areas.