New Delhi: The Immigration and Foreigners Bill-2025 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday by Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai. This bill will replace four acts made during the First and Second World Wars related to foreigners and immigration by repealing them. It gives power to take strict action against foreigners illegally infiltrating India through air, land or water and staying in India even after the visa period has expired.
Highlights of Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025
In the highlights of the bill, if a person uses fake passports and other documents to enter India or go abroad from India through fake documents, then in such cases, a provision of punishment of two to seven years has been made against the accused. Along with this, a fine of one lakh to 10 lakh rupees will also be imposed. While taking strict action against those who infiltrate India without valid passport and visa, they can be sentenced to up to five years or fined up to five lakh rupees or both together.
Action if stay is done on visa expiry
This bill will work to strictly curb such foreigners who continue to stay in India even after the visa expires. In such cases, there can be a punishment of up to three years or a fine of up to three lakh rupees or both. This bill tightens the noose on airlines, ships and all such means of transport and companies, which will be involved in bringing people from abroad to India or taking them abroad from India without proper documents. A fine of Rs 5 lakh can be imposed on such transporter and their vehicle can also be confiscated.
More power to police-immigration officer
This bill gives more power to police and immigration officer. In any such case, police officers will be able to arrest the accused without warrant, who have entered India illegally or have taken other illegal steps like entering on fake documents.
The bill will also provide more power to check foreigners in Indian hospitals, educational institutions, universities and other such places. Which used to be an order earlier but will take the form of law after this bill becomes a law. This bill will increase the central power in all matters like removing foreigners from India, deporting them to their country or giving exemption.
