Immigration and Foreigners Bill Introduction
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 11, 2025, by the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, during the Budget Session.
Purpose of the Bill
- To consolidate four existing laws: the Foreigners Act, the Passport (Entry into India) Act, the Registration of Foreigners Act, and the Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act.
- Strengthen existing rules for visiting foreigners.
- Heighten penalties for violations such as the use of forged travel documents, non-adherence to visa conditions, overstaying, and avoiding registration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).
Key Provisions
- Burden of Proof: Section 16 of the Bill states that the burden of proving whether an individual is a foreigner lies on the individual, similar to provisions in the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and the Prevention of Corruption Act.
- Registration Requirement: The Bill mandates that hosts, including private home owners, must provide guest details to the FRRO. This aims to enhance monitoring of foreigners entering the country.
- Institutional Obligations: Universities, hospitals, and other institutions admitting foreigners must comply with specific obligations under the Bill.
Carrier Responsibilities
- Carriers bringing foreigners into India must ensure compliance with the law and are responsible for removing violators from the country at their own expense.
Security Measures
- Introduces "threat to national security, sovereignty and integrity of India and relations with a foreign State" as grounds for denying entry or stay.
Penalties
- Entering India without a passport or travel document: Imprisonment up to five years, a fine up to ₹5 lakh, or both.
- Using or providing forged documents: Imprisonment of two to seven years, and a fine between ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
- Overstaying a visa: Imprisonment up to three years, a fine up to ₹3 lakh, or both.