Newdelhi :Lok Sabha on Thursday approved the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, introducing stringent measures to regulate immigration and oversee the movement of foreigners in India.
The bill, was moved by the Union Home Ministry on March 11, aims to replace four existing laws governing immigration while simplifying and strengthening regulations.
Union Home Minister while discussing the Bill said that those who pose a threat to the national security will not be allowed to enter the nation. “The nation is not a ‘Dharamshala’…If someone comes to the nation to give its contribute to the development of the nation, they are always welcome,” he said.
The bill, was moved by the Union Home Ministry on March 11, aims to replace four existing laws governing immigration while simplifying and strengthening regulations.
Union Home Minister while discussing the Bill said that those who pose a threat to the national security will not be allowed to enter the nation. “The nation is not a ‘Dharamshala’…If someone comes to the nation to give its contribute to the development of the nation, they are always welcome,” he said.
Regulating foreign nationals
With 98.40 lakh foreigners visiting India between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, the government has been seeking tighter controls. The bill empowers the Centre to regulate areas frequently visited by foreigners, allowing authorities to restrict access, impose conditions, or even close premises when necessary.
To ease the visa process, Indian embassies and consulates will issue visas in physical or sticker formats, while the Bureau of Immigration (BoI) will continue to provide e-visas for citizens of 167 countries. Additionally, nationals from Japan, South Korea, and the UAE who have previously held an Indian visa can now avail of visas on arrival at six major airports.
Currently, foreigners on long-term visas (exceeding 180 days) for study, medical treatment, research, employment, missionary work, or projects must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) or Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) within 14 days of arrival. Pakistani citizens must register within 24 hours.
