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Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 passed in lok sabha

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The Lok Sabha has passed the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, which aims to tighten India’s immigration laws and replace four old laws related to foreigners and immigration. Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the bill and explained that it would help strengthen India’s security, support economic growth, and ensure better tracking of foreigners entering the country.
Who Can Enter India?
Amit Shah said that India welcomes foreigners who come for:
✅ Tourism
✅ Education
✅ Healthcare
✅ Business and Research
However, he made it clear that India is not a “dharamshala” (shelter home) and that strict action will be taken against those who enter illegally or pose a threat to the country.
Strict Action Against Illegal Immigrants
The bill focuses on stopping illegal immigrants, especially those from Myanmar (Rohingyas) and Bangladesh. Shah said that many people come to India for personal gain and do not contribute to the country. He warned that anyone who enters India without valid documents will face serious punishment:
  • Up to 5 years in jail
  • Fine up to ₹5 lakh
Additionally, anyone found using a fake passport or visa to enter or stay in India will face:
  • Up to 7 years in jail
  • Fine up to ₹10 lakh
Replacing Old Immigration Laws
The new bill repeals four outdated laws:
  1. Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920
  2. Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939
  3. Foreigners Act, 1946
  4. Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000
Shah said these old laws were no longer effective and needed to be updated for better border control and national security.
Tracking Foreign Visitors
To improve monitoring, the bill makes it mandatory for:
  • Hotels
  • Universities
  • Hospitals and Nursing Homes
These institutions must report details of any foreign visitors to the government. This will help in tracking people who overstay their visas or enter illegally.
Border Security and West Bengal Dispute
A major point of debate in Parliament was illegal immigration from Bangladesh. Shah accused the West Bengal government (led by Trinamool Congress – TMC) of:
❌ Not stopping illegal immigration
❌ Delaying border security fencing
❌ Allowing illegal Aadhaar cards for immigrants
He claimed that the central government had written 11 letters and held 7 meetings with West Bengal officials about 450 km of unfinished fencing on the India-Bangladesh border, but the state government did not cooperate.
Shah also mentioned that South 24 Parganas had the highest number of fake Aadhaar cards, which helped illegal immigrants settle in India. However, he assured that if the BJP wins the 2026 West Bengal elections, they will complete the fencing and stop illegal infiltration.
How Will This Bill Help India?
The new Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 is expected to:
✅ Improve national security by keeping a close watch on illegal immigrants.
✅ Boost India’s economy by encouraging legal business, tourism, and skilled workers.
✅ Make tracking of foreigners easier by creating a digital record system.
Opposition’s Concerns
Some opposition parties, including TMC, have raised concerns that the bill gives too much power to the central government and could be misused. They argue that the new rules might create problems for some genuine visitors and refugees.
What Happens Next?
The bill has been passed by the Lok Sabha and will now go to the Rajya Sabha for approval. If it passes there, it will become law.
This bill is one of the most important immigration reforms in India and is expected to change the way foreigners enter and stay in the country.
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