New Delhi: In a bid to bolster national security while facilitating smoother immigration processes, the government introduced the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 in Parliament on Tuesday. Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, while presenting the bill, clarified, “We are not bringing this law to stop anyone from coming to India. More people are welcome, but they must adhere to immigration laws. The provisions of this law are crucial for national security.”
The bill mandates educational institutions, medical facilities, and private residence owners to inform authorities about foreigners staying in their premises. It also enforces strict regulations on airlines and vessels, requiring them to share advance passenger and crew data and bear the responsibility of deporting passengers denied entry. Violators could face fines of up to ₹5 lakh.
Additionally, the legislation seeks to repeal four existing laws—the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920; the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939; the Foreigners Act, 1946; and the Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000—to consolidate and modernize India’s immigration framework.
