The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, was introduced in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai to streamline services related to immigration and foreigners.
By Aniket Chakraborty
Mar 12, 2025
The bill aims to correct overlapping provisions in existing laws governing immigration and foreigners in India.
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Opposition members, including Congress MP Manish Tewari, claimed the bill violates fundamental rights and demanded it be reviewed by a parliamentary select committee.
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Tewari warned the bill could be used to deny entry to those ideologically opposed to the ruling government, citing examples of NRIs being deported during farm protests.
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The bill places the onus of proving citizenship on individuals and proposes a seven-year jail term for those holding fake passports.
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Foreigners can be denied entry based on national interest concerns, and no individual can enter India without a valid passport or visa.
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The legislation proposes up to five-year imprisonment and Rs 5 lakh fine for entry without valid documents.
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Using forged documents can attract up to seven-year imprisonment with fines ranging between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 10 lakh.
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Overstaying, visa violations, or trespassing in restricted areas can result in up to three-year imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 3 lakh.
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Immigration officers will have power to arrest without warrant, regulate foreigners' movement, and the Centre can restrict departures if a person's presence is required by an authorized agency.