What is the Immigration and Foreigners Bill? Check Key Details Here

The Immigration and Foreign Act, which was recently placed before Lok Sabha in 2025, represents a major reshaping of India’s immigration system. The bill aims to improve national security, make the immigration process more effective, and provide stronger penalties for violations. Its purpose is to replace the four colonial laws with the latest, comprehensive system to manage foreigners in India.

Background and goals

The existing Indian immigration law originated from pre-independence legislation, namely the Passport (Entering India Act) of 1920, the Foreigner Registration Act, 1939, the Foreign Act, the Foreign Act of 1946, the Immigration Act (Responsibility of the Carrier) Act (2000). These legislations are in scope such as the First and Second World Wars. Immigration and Foreign Act, 2025, addresses these issues by establishing a contemporary legal framework.

Key Regulations

Immigration Bureau Establishment: The bill proposes the establishment of an immigration bureau that will monitor the entry and departure of foreigners. The bureau will be led by a commissioner and supported by different immigration officials.

Registration and reporting obligations: Registration is required when entering India. Educational institutions, hospitals and other organizations that accept foreigners must report information to the immigration authorities.

  • National Security Action: This bill grants the government the power to refuse entry or allow any foreigner threat to national security, sovereignty or integrity.
  • Entry and Check-in regulations: All foreigners should have a valid passport and visa for entry and exit. The carrier must make sure the passenger carries the correct documents or can be fined as well as facial transport seizures.
  • Penalties for illegal acts: The bill proposes strict penalties for illegal acts:
  • Arrivals without proper documents: up to five years in prison and/or a fine of Rs 5 lakh.
  • Property and use of forgery documents: two to seven years in prison and/or a fine of between Rs 100,000 and Rs 1 million.
  • The remaining country remains in the country under the visa term or visa violation: three years in prison and/or a fine of Rs 3 lakh.
  • The powers of immigration officials: Immigration officials believe that foreigners violate immigration laws and they can arrest without a warrant.

Criticism and debate

The bill has been criticized for its abuse of power by immigration officials for its measures being too harsh. The opposition party questioned the causes of constitutional provisions and human rights. The transfer of burdens from state to individual establishment of legitimacy is also a controversial issue.

The Immigration and Foreign Act, 2025, is a key move towards updating India’s immigration law. Integrating old laws and making rules stricter, the government is trying to improve national security and make immigration procedures easier. However, the impact of the bill on civil rights and the possibility of abuse of power are key issues in the debate. As the bill moves through parliament, these issues may be at the forefront of debate and amendments.