Unveiled Proposal for Seven-Year Imprisonment for Counterfeit Immigration Documents
The Indian government has introduced a new Immigration and Foreigners Bill in the Lok Sabha, aiming to modernize and centralize the country's immigration laws. The legislation seeks to replace four outdated colonial-era acts, including the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, and the Foreigners Act, 1946, among others [1].
The proposed Bill establishes a centralized Bureau of Immigration to streamline immigration processes with enhanced security measures such as digital tracking and biometric verification. This move aligns India's immigration system with international standards [1].
Key details and impacts of the bill include:
- Centralization and Modernization: The bill consolidates immigration-related laws into a single framework, replacing several outdated acts. This move is intended to reduce legal overlaps and complexities [1][2].
- Entry, Stay, and Exit Regulations: The bill defines roles and powers of immigration officers, sets visa requirements, and outlines the registration procedures for foreigners, including those of Indian origin. It strengthens the legal authority of the Bureau of Immigration to manage these processes efficiently [2].
- National Security Provisions: The government gains explicit powers to deny visas or deport foreigners on national security grounds, with procedures specified for exemption or deportation [2].
- Regulation of Foreign Entrants to Universities and Hospitals: The bill uniquely regulates the admission of foreigners in India’s educational and medical institutions, a gap previously unaddressed [2].
However, concerns have been raised about the potential downsides of centralizing immigration control. Bureaucratic delays and overlooks of region-specific immigration issues, especially in sensitive border states like Assam and West Bengal, are among the concerns [1].
The bill does not affect tourism or economic growth, according to the government [1]. It also does not specify any new penalties for non-compliance with regulations related to tourism or economic activities. However, anyone found using a forged or fraudulently obtained passport or visa could face imprisonment ranging from 2 to 7 years, and a fine between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 10 lakh [1].
Foreigners entering India without a valid passport or travel document could be punished with up to 5 years in jail and a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh [1]. International airlines and shipping companies will be required to submit advance passenger and crew information upon arrival in India [1].
The new Bill will work in tandem with existing visa and registration protocols. The registration requirement for long-term visa holders will continue to be in effect, and special permits for travel in designated protected areas will also remain in place [1].
The Bill is part of the government's broader agenda to simplify laws, improve ease of doing business, and bolster national security [1]. The bill mandates mandatory reporting of foreign nationals by hotels, universities, hospitals, and other institutions [1]. Authorities can impose restrictions or close premises that fail to comply with prescribed conditions according to the Bill [1].
In conclusion, the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, aims to modernize and unify India’s immigration framework, granting the government greater regulatory powers over foreigners entering, residing, and exiting India. It emphasizes security and procedural clarity but raises concerns about centralization's adaptability to diverse regional contexts [1][2].
[1] The Hindu, "Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025: All you need to know", [link to the article] [2] Livemint, "What you need to know about the new Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025", [link to the article]
- The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, is a part of the government's broader agenda in policy-and-legislation, addressing the modernization and centralization of India's immigration laws and aligning it with international standards [1].
- The new Bill, which focuses on politics, especially crime-and-justice and general-news, contains provisions for national security, regulating foreign entrants to universities and hospitals, and imposing penalties for forged or fraudulently obtained passports or visas [1].
