The Indian government has passed the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, a comprehensive new legislation aimed at consolidating and strengthening the nation’s immigration laws. The Act was published on April 4, 2025 and will come into force on a later date to be announced by the Central Government.
The Act repeals several existing laws, including the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939, the Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000.
Key Provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025
Entry and Departure Requirements
All individuals entering India must possess valid passports or travel documents, and foreigners must also have valid visas, unless exempted. The Act empowers Immigration Officers to deny entry to foreigners posing threats to national security, sovereignty, public health, or foreign relations.
All individuals departing India must also possess valid passports or travel documents, and foreigners valid visas.
Immigration Officers & Bureau of Immigration
Immigration Officers can examine travel documents and visas, request information, and seize documents deemed lost, stolen, forged, or fraudulently obtained. The Central Government holds overall authority on visa and related matters.
The Act also establishes a Bureau of Immigration to manage immigration functions. The Central Government can issue orders regulating or restricting the entry, departure, or presence of foreigners in India.
Foreigner Registration
Foreigners arriving in India must register with the designated Registration Officer.
Keepers of accommodations must report information on foreign guests to the Registration Officer.
Universities, educational institutions, hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical institutions must report information on foreign students and patients.
Restricted Areas and Movements
Foreigners are prohibited from entering or staying in Protected, Restricted, or Prohibited areas without special permits.
Foreigners must not change their names while in India without specific authorization.
The Central Government can restrict the movements of certain foreigners and regulate access to places where they reside. Civil authorities can regulate or close premises frequented by foreigners.
Carrier Obligations
Carriers arriving in India must provide passenger and crew manifests, advance passenger information, and passenger name record information.
Penalties are imposed for failure to provide accurate and timely information.
Carriers are responsible for the removal of foreigners that are refused entry.
The Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, represents a significant overhaul of India’s immigration laws. The government has consolidated existing legislation and introduced stricter immigration and border control regulations.
