Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025
The government introduced the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha to streamline the entry, exit, and stay of foreigners in India. The Bill aims to simplify laws while addressing overlapping provisions in existing legislation.
Objectives and Provisions
- Streamlining Laws:
The Bill seeks to avoid the multiplicity and overlap of existing laws related to immigration and foreigners. - Scope:
Concerns immigration processes, including the roles of Immigration Officers, passport and visa requirements, and registration of foreigners. - Obligations:
- Universities and medical institutions must report the admission of foreigners.
- Carriers have specific liabilities and obligations under the Bill.
- Control and Enforcement:
- Restricts movements of certain foreigners.
- Civil authorities can control areas frequented by foreigners.
- Offenses and Penalties:
Includes penalties for contravening the Bill's provisions and allows for composition of offenses. - Central Government Powers:
The government can issue orders for removal, delegate authority, and exempt certain cases.
Current Legislation
- Existing laws include the Foreigners Act, 1946, Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000, Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, and Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939.
- The Bill aims to repeal these older Acts, citing their origins in extraordinary wartime periods.
Opposition's Concerns
- Constitutional Violations: Congress’ Manish Tewari argues the Bill violates constitutional provisions.
- Potential Misuse: Concerns that the Bill could be used to deny entry based on ideological differences.
- Talent Inflow: Trinamool Congress’ Saugata Roy fears it may hinder the influx of talent into various fields.
Government's Stance
- Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai states the central government has legislative authority under the Union list.
- Emphasized the balance between welcoming tourists and maintaining national peace and sovereignty.
Statistics
- Union home ministry data shows that 9.84 million (98.40 lakh) foreigners visited India from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024.
