New Delhi, Mar 16: A new immigration bill introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 11 proposes stringent penalties for individuals using forged passports or visas to enter, stay, or exit India. If the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 is approved by Parliament, offenders could face imprisonment of up to seven years, along with a fine ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.
The legislation, led by the Union Home Ministry, aims to tighten regulations on foreign nationals in India, requiring institutions such as hotels, universities, and hospitals to report information about foreigners to help track overstaying visitors. International airlines and ships will also be mandated to submit passenger and crew manifests, along with advance information on passengers, to authorities at Indian ports and airports.
The bill specifically targets the use or supply of forged travel documents, proposing punishments of at least two years in prison for offenders, with a maximum sentence of seven years. In addition to the prison term, a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh can be imposed. Foreign nationals entering India without proper documentation could face imprisonment for up to five years, alongside fines of up to Rs 5 lakh.
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill seeks to simplify existing immigration laws by repealing four outdated acts, including the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, and the Foreigners Act, 1946. The bill also aligns with the government’s broader goals of law simplification, promoting economic growth, and improving ease of doing business.
While addressing illegal migration and overstaying foreigners, the bill does not deal with matters related to the grant of citizenship. According to officials, the legislation will streamline immigration processes, reduce compliance burdens, and help in tracking foreign nationals’ movements within India.
Additionally, the bill will regulate visa processes, including e-visas for citizens from 167 countries, and allow special permits for travel in restricted areas, such as parts of the northeastern region and Jammu and Kashmir. The data from the Union Home Ministry indicates that approximately 98.4 lakh foreigners visited India between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024.
