Lok Sabha Clears Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025 to Reform Entry, Visa Rules

New Delhi: The Lok Sabha has passed the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, a legal framework to regulate the entry, stay and departure of foreign nationals in India, on 27 March.

The centre highlighted that this legislation aims to replace existing immigration laws, some of which date back to the colonial era, ensuring a modernized approach to border security and foreigner management.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while presenting the bill, emphasized the need for a structured immigration policy that promotes economic growth while preventing security risks.

He reiterated that India welcomes genuine visitors, students and professionals but will take strict measures against illegal immigrants.

Key Changes Under the New Law

The Bill Repeals Four Outdated Laws

The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920
The Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939
The Foreigners Act, 1946
The Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000

With this update, India will now have a single, structured immigration law to address various aspects of foreign travel, residency and visa regulations.

Categorization of Foreign Nationals

The bill classifies foreigners into six categories based on their purpose of entry:

Tourists
Students
Skilled Workers
Business Visitors
Refugees or Asylum Seekers
Illegal Immigrants

It also introduces a revised visa framework, covering tourist, business, employment, student, medical, research, religious, journalist and transit visas.

It should be also noted that long-term visa holders staying for over 180 days must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within two weeks of arrival.

Measures Against Illegal Immigration

To curb illegal entry and overstaying, the bill empowers authorities to track, detain, and deport individuals found violating visa norms. Key provisions include:

Stronger penalties for overstaying beyond permitted visa duration.
Blacklisting and deportation of illegal entrants, with lifetime entry bans for repeat offenders.
Jail terms of up to 10 years for deportees attempting unauthorized re-entry into India.

The law also differentiates between minor and major violations. Minor offenses, such as brief overstays, could result in fines or a five year re-entry ban, while major violations, such as fraud, criminal activity, or links to terrorism, could lead to immediate deportation and permanent blacklisting.

Monitoring of Foreigners’ Travel

Authorities will have more authority to control company activities, access to particular locations and the movement of foreigners.

Additionally:

If a foreign national’s address, employment, or educational institution changes, they must notify the appropriate authorities.
Failure to comply could result in fines, visa revocation or deportation.
The government can impose special conditions for foreigners staying in specific zones.

Union Home Minister Shah defended the bill, saying that while India remains open to skilled professionals, investors and students, illegal immigration cannot be tolerated.

He cited the security risks posed by undocumented individuals, particularly from specific regions.

Shah also stressed the economic benefits of structured immigration, noting that countries with well-regulated immigration policies have seen significant growth and global competitiveness.

He also said that the bill would ensure that the country maintains strict border security while attracting foreign talent.

However, the bill will now be presented in the Rajya Sabha. If cleared, it will replace existing immigration laws and bring in a streamlined system for foreign nationals in India.