Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025: Key Provisions and Reforms

1. The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 has recently been passed by the Indian Parliament, marking a significant step toward updating and modernizing the country's immigration laws.
2. The bill aims to enhance national security, streamline immigration processes, and improve coordination among various immigration authorities.

Key Highlights of the Bill:

1. The primary goal of the bill is to modernize India’s immigration framework to better address current challenges. It seeks to improve national security while ensuring a more efficient system for managing foreign nationals entering and exiting the country.

2. Repeal of Outdated Laws: The bill has resulted in the repeal of several older and outdated laws:

1. Passport Act, 1920
2. Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939
3. Foreigners Act, 1946
4. Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000

These laws were seen as inadequate for addressing modern immigration challenges and have now been replaced by more comprehensive regulations.

3. Immigration Regulation: A Bureau of Immigration will be established to oversee visa issuance and manage entry-exit regulations. This central body will play a pivotal role in coordinating immigration processes and ensuring the smooth functioning of the system.

4. Penalties for Illegal Entry: The bill introduces strict penalties for foreign nationals who enter India without valid travel documents, such as a passport. Offenders could face:

1. Imprisonment for up to five years
2. A fine of up to five lakh rupees
3. Or both imprisonment and a fine

These provisions are designed to deter illegal immigration and strengthen border security.

5. Power of Arrest: Under the new law, police officers, starting at the rank of Head Constable, are authorized to make arrests without a warrant. This provision grants law enforcement more flexibility and authority in dealing with individuals who breach immigration laws.
 

 

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