New Delhi: The Central government has introduced the Immigration and Foreigners Bill of 2025 in a bid to underscore India as a more hospitable destination for global visitors and to tackle modern-day security challenges. A seminal piece of legislation, the Bill is designed to reform and streamline the nation's immigration framework.
This forward-thinking measure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central government, seeks to fortify national security while fostering economic prosperity and ensuring effortless access for legitimate foreign visitors; be they professionals, scholars, business magnates, tourists, or those in quest of medical care.
This legislation undertakes the consolidation of provisions from four distinct statutes -- namely, 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.
These antiquated laws, relics of the bygone era, are now set to be replaced by a singular, harmonized legal framework, emblematic of India’s broader endeavours to simplify governance. Also, the Bill seeks to improve the ease of conducting business, and reduce compliance burdens.
Among the salient features of this Bill are its provisions for a reformed visa regime, wherein streamlined processes for various visa categories -- such as tourist, business, and medical visas -- are poised to render the entry, sojourn, and departure of bona-fide travellers a seamless experience.
The new Bill makes immigration officials empowered to seek essential information from travellers, whilst transportation carriers are obligated to furnish passenger details in accordance with prevailing international standards.
And, measures to monitor overstaying foreign nationals are likewise reinforced, as hotels, universities, hospitals, and other institutions are required to report the presence of foreign guests under their care.
