New Delhi, March 11, 2025: In a significant move aimed at strengthening national security and streamlining immigration regulations, the government on Tuesday introduced the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 in Parliament. The bill, presented by Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, seeks to create a comprehensive framework for managing immigration and the presence of foreigners in India.
While introducing the bill, MoS Rai emphasized that the law is not intended to prevent foreigners from visiting India but to ensure that immigration processes are conducted within a secure legal framework. “We are not bringing this law to stop anyone from coming to India,” Rai stated. “More people are welcome in India, but they must adhere to the immigration law. The provisions of the law are important for national security.”
Highlighting the government’s commitment to promoting tourism, Rai added, “Since India is growing economically, the government is providing facilities to ensure more tourists visit the country. But it is also the government’s responsibility to prioritize the security of the country.”
Key Provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025
The new bill introduces several important measures to tighten immigration control and ensure better monitoring of foreigners in the country:
1. Responsibility on Institutions and Residence Owners:
Educational and medical institutions, including hospitals and universities, as well as private residence owners, will now be legally obligated to inform authorities about any foreign nationals staying in their facilities. Rai clarified that while this provision already exists under an order, it is now being formally incorporated into the act.
2. Obligations on Carriers:
The proposed law requires airlines and vessel operators to provide advance passenger and crew data to Indian authorities. If a passenger is denied entry by immigration officers, the carrier will be responsible for removing the individual from Indian territory. Violations of these provisions could lead to a fine of up to ₹5 lakh.
3. Repealing of Existing Laws:
The bill seeks to abolish four existing laws that govern immigration and foreigner-related matters:
The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920
The Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939
The Foreigners Act, 1946
The Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000
According to the bill’s statement of objects and reasons, these acts were introduced during the pre-independence period and are outdated. The government argues that there are overlapping provisions among these laws, and a unified framework will simplify the legal structure and enhance efficiency.
4. Central Government’s Powers:
Once implemented, the law will empower the central government to regulate entry and exit requirements, including the need for passports, visas, and other travel documents. It will also provide guidelines for the registration of foreigners and their activities within the country.
Rationale Behind the New Law
The government stated that the existing legal framework, established during the World War periods, no longer aligns with modern realities. The proposed legislation aims to address gaps in the current system and provide a clear and consistent framework for immigration management.
“The acts… are not only of pre-Constitution period but also were brought into extraordinary times of the first and second world wars,” the bill states. “There is a necessity to repeal all the aforesaid four acts and to enact a new comprehensive legislation.”
Rising Number of Foreign Visitors
According to the latest government data, a total of 9,840,321 foreigners visited India between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024. The government believes that improving immigration controls will help manage the growing influx of foreign visitors more effectively while ensuring national security.
The bill is expected to be debated in the coming weeks and could mark a major shift in India’s immigration policy if passed.
