NEW DELHI, 11 March (H.S.) : Home Minister Amit Shah tabled the Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025 in the Lok Sabha. Upon its enactment, four existing laws concerning immigration and foreign nationals will be repealed in the country. The regulations governing the entry of foreign nationals into India have been made more stringent, in conjunction with rigorous measures taken against unlawful intruders. The legislation suggests stringent measures targeting unlawful foreign nationals. It aims to repeal four existing laws, placing a strong emphasis on security.
Home Minister Amit Shah introduced a significant bill in the Lok Sabha today, designed to enforce stringent measures against foreign nationals residing illegally in India. Upon the enactment of the ‘Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025,’ four existing laws concerning immigration and foreign citizens in India will be repealed. These laws include the Foreigners Act of 1946, the Passport Act of 1920, the Registration of Foreigners Act of 1939, and the Immigration Act of 2000.
The proposed legislation seeks to establish rigorous regulations governing the entry and residence of foreign nationals, prioritizing the national security and sovereignty of India. It stipulates that individuals whose presence is deemed a threat to the nation's security, or who obtain Indian citizenship through fraudulent documentation, will face severe consequences. Furthermore, should the entry of a foreign national potentially impact India's diplomatic relations with other nations, such individuals may be prohibited from entering the country.
Under the provisions of this proposed legislation, the determination made by the immigration officer will be deemed final and obligatory. The legislation stipulates that an individual who enters India without possessing a valid passport or travel documents may face imprisonment for a duration of up to five years, a monetary penalty of up to Rs 5 lakh, or both. In instances where an individual utilizes counterfeit documents or acquires a passport through fraudulent means, the punishment may range from two to seven years of imprisonment. Additionally, a fine ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 10 lakh may also be levied in these circumstances.
Strict measures have been established for foreign nationals who remain in India unlawfully after their visa has expired. Such individuals may be subject to imprisonment for a term of up to three years and a monetary penalty of up to Rs 3 lakh. Following deliberations on this bill in Parliament, the procedure for enacting it into law will commence.
Hindusthan Samachar / Meenakshi Bhattacharya
