On March 11, 2025, the Government of India introduced the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha. This landmark legislation aims to modernize and consolidate India’s immigration framework by repealing outdated colonial-era laws, including the Passport (Entry into India) Act of 1920, the Registration of Foreigners Act of 1939, the Foreigners Act of 1946, and the Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act of 2000. The Economic Times+3www.ndtv.com+3India Briefing+3
Key Features of the Bill
- Unified Framework: The bill seeks to integrate various immigration laws into a single, coherent framework. This consolidation is designed to simplify processes and enhance clarity for both authorities and foreign nationals, addressing the complexities and inconsistencies present in the previous legal structure.
- New Visa Categories: To cater to the evolving needs of the global community and India’s economic interests, the bill introduces several new visa types:
- Business Visa Plus: Intended for long-term business travelers, this visa facilitates extended stays for individuals engaged in business activities, promoting sustained commercial engagement within India.
- Startup Visa: Aimed at entrepreneurs establishing innovative businesses, this category supports India’s vision of becoming a global startup hub by attracting international entrepreneurial talent.
- Skilled Talent Visa: Targeting professionals in high-demand sectors such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and renewable energy, this visa seeks to bridge skill gaps and bolster India’s workforce in critical industries.
- Investor Visa: Designed for foreign nationals committing substantial capital to Indian enterprises or infrastructure projects, this visa encourages foreign direct investment and economic growth.
- National Immigration Authority (NIA): The bill proposes the establishment of the NIA, a statutory apex body responsible for formulating and implementing immigration policies. The NIA will manage a centralized digital database of foreign nationals, coordinate with state-level authorities and law enforcement agencies, and provide policy guidance on visa and border control protocols.
- Mandatory Registration: Foreign nationals residing in India for more than 180 days will be required to register digitally with the National Foreigners Registry (NFR). This new digital registry replaces the current Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) system, offering a more streamlined and accessible platform for compliance.
- Enhanced Security Measures: The legislation introduces stringent penalties for immigration violations to deter illegal activities. Individuals arriving in India without valid documentation may face imprisonment for up to five years and a fine of up to ₹5 lakh. The use of forged or counterfeit documents could attract imprisonment ranging from two to seven years, accompanied by fines between ₹1 lakh and ₹10 lakh. Additionally, those who overstay their visa or breach visa conditions may be penalized with a jail term of up to three years and a fine of up to ₹3 lakh. India Briefing
Government’s Perspective
Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that the bill aims to bolster national security and streamline immigration processes. He stated that while India welcomes individuals contributing to its development, those posing a threat to national security will face stringent action. Shah underscored that the nation is not a “dharamshala” (charitable shelter) and that the bill will aid in identifying and addressing individuals with malicious intent entering the country. www.ndtv.com+2India Today+2The Economic Times+2
Implementation and Impact
The bill mandates the development of an Integrated Immigration Management System (IIMS), employing biometric identification and artificial intelligence-based monitoring tools to track and manage the movement of foreign nationals. This system will be integrated with airport immigration counters, land border checkpoints, and registration offices, facilitating real-time verification and enhanced mobility control.
Furthermore, the legislation places specific reporting responsibilities on various institutions in India. Universities, educational institutions, and medical establishments admitting or providing lodging to foreign nationals are required to furnish relevant information to designated authorities. These provisions aim to ensure accurate tracking and documentation of the presence and movement of foreign nationals within the country. India Briefing
Conclusion
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, represents a significant overhaul of India’s immigration laws, aligning them with contemporary global standards and the nation’s economic objectives. By introducing new visa categories, establishing a centralized immigration authority, and implementing stringent security measures, the bill seeks to facilitate legitimate mobility, attract global talent and investment, and enhance national security. As the legislation progresses through the parliamentary process, its impact on India’s immigration landscape will be closely monitored by stakeholders domestically and internationally.
Note: This article is based on information available as of March 28, 2025. For the latest updates, please refer to official government sources.
