Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said visitors from across the globe wishing to explore India for tourism, education, healthcare, or business ventures are warmly welcomed, however, any individuals posing a threat to national security will face strict repercussions.
This statement came during a Lok Sabha discussion on the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, which aims to enhance the safety and security of the country while also promoting economic growth and development in the education and healthcare sectors.
The Lok Sabha has officially passed the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, following a voice vote that dismissed numerous amendments proposed by opposition members. Shah reiterated the intention behind the legislation, ensuring that India will maintain comprehensive oversight of all foreigners entering the country.
“It is crucial that we are aware of who visits India, their purpose for coming, and the duration of their stay,” he noted after a three-hour debate. He assured that the bill would not only bolster security but also pave the way for India to become a leading global power by 2047.
The new legislation outlines severe penalties for those caught using forged travel documents. Offenders may face up to seven years in prison and fines reaching ₹10 lakh for entering, staying, or exiting India under false pretenses. It also mandates that accommodations, universities, and healthcare facilities report information about foreign guests, facilitating the tracking of individuals who may overstay their visas.
Under the proposed law, anyone found entering India without proper documentation could be imprisoned for up to five years or fined up to ₹5 lakh or both. Furthermore, the central government is granted authority to regulate areas frequented by foreigners, including the potential closure of establishments non-compliant with the new requirements.
This bill seeks to repeal and consolidate several outdated laws governing immigration and foreigner registration, including the Passport (Entry into India) Act of 1920, the Registration of Foreigners Act of 1939, the Foreigners Act of 1946, and the Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act of 2000. While retaining many existing provisions from these laws, the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 introduces new regulations to address contemporary immigration challenges.
Overall, this comprehensive legislation aims to foster a balance between national security and the promotion of tourism and economic growth while simplifying regulatory frameworks and easing business operations in India. The government anticipates that it will effectively address issues surrounding illegal immigration and facilitate better oversight of foreigners in the country.