India Moves to Overhaul Immigration System with New Bill
NEW DELHI, March 28 – India’s lower house of parliament has passed the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, in a sweeping reform aimed at modernizing the country’s visa and security framework while tightening rules against illegal entry.
The bill, approved on March 27, replaces four outdated laws and introduces stricter registration and reporting requirements for foreign nationals. It proposes the establishment of a central ‘Bureau of Immigration’ to oversee visa issuance, entry and exit records, and compliance with immigration laws.
For the first time, foreign nationals will be legally required to register upon arrival, with universities, airlines, and hospitals mandated to report their interactions with foreign visitors. The legislation also introduces harsher penalties for immigration violations, including up to five years in prison for illegal entry and hefty fines for overstaying visas or using fraudulent documents.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah defended the bill in parliament, saying it was necessary to curb illegal immigration while ensuring that India remains open to legitimate travelers. “India is not a dharamshala,” Shah said, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement. The bill now moves to the Rajya Sabha for further debate. If passed, it will require presidential approval before becoming law.
