Immigration and Foreigners Law, 2025

Main Provisions of the Legislation

Consolidation of Laws: The Act revokes and substitutes the Foreigners Act (1946), Registration of Foreigners Act (1939), Passport (Entry into India) Act (1920), and Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act (2000), creating a cohesive legal structure for immigration.

The entry, stay, and departure of foreign nationals are now regulated by a unified law, incorporating digital systems for registration and monitoring (such as DigiYatra and FRRO); carrier responsibility holds airlines and shipping firms liable for transporting undocumented travelers.

Foreigners' registration: The law stipulates that upon arriving in India, foreigners are required to register with a Registration Officer.

Immigration: The legislation stipulates that individuals arriving in or leaving India must possess a valid visa (for non-citizens) as well as valid passports or other acceptable travel documents. The immigration officer may review these documents.

Consequences for Fraudulent Entry/Exit: Entering, remaining in, or leaving India with counterfeit or illegally acquired passports or visas may lead to imprisonment for a maximum of 7 years and a penalty of up to ₹10 lakh.

Authority to arrest: The law grants police officers of at least Head Constable rank the ability to make arrests without a warrant.

Importance

National Security: Enforces harsher penalties to combat counterfeit documents utilized by terrorist and trafficking organizations, aiding in the prevention of illegal immigration and overstays.

Administrative Efficiency: Integrates disjointed, colonial-era laws, reducing redundancy and enhancing the administrative functions of immigration officials.

Worldwide Best Practices: Integrates international standards including carrier responsibility, biometric authentication, and electronic tracking.

Economic & Social Impact: Improves monitoring of international students, employees, and travelers, while tackling urgent regional migration issues, including those from Bangladesh, Myanmar, and conflict areas in West Asia.