UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 March 2025

Home UPSC Current Affairs New Immigration Bill proposes seven-year jail term for using forged passport

New Immigration Bill proposes seven-year jail term for using forged passport

Why in News:

The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 seeks to modernize India’s immigration framework.

Introduction

The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, introduced in Lok Sabha on March 11, 2025, aims to streamline and modernize India’s immigration framework by consolidating and replacing four existing laws.
It strengthens penalties for visa violations, enhances tracking of foreigners, and introduces provisions for stricter immigration control while balancing national security with economic growth and tourism.
This proposed legislation aligns with the government’s focus on simplifying laws, reducing compliance burdens, and ensuring ease of doing business while tackling illegal migration and overstaying foreigners.

Key Features of the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025

Stricter Penalties for Forged Passports and Visa Violations
- Any person using or supplying a forged passport, visa, or travel document for entry, stay, or exit from India will face:
  - Imprisonment from 2 to 7 years.
  - Fine ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
- Any foreigner entering India without a valid passport or visa will face:
  - Up to 5 years of imprisonment.
  - Fine up to ₹5 lakh.
Mandatory Reporting and Enhanced Tracking of Foreigners
- Hotels, universities, hospitals, and nursing homes will be required to report the presence of foreigners to authorities for better monitoring.
- Airlines and shipping companies must submit advance passenger and crew information at Indian ports and airports.
- The government can regulate premises frequented by foreigners, requiring closure, conditional operation, or restricted access to certain groups.
Repeal and Consolidation of Existing Laws

The Bill proposes to repeal four existing Acts:

1. Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920
2. Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939
3. Foreigners Act, 1946
4. Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000

By harmonizing provisions from these Acts, the new law simplifies regulations and enhances efficiency in enforcement.

Visa Grant and Regulation Mechanism
- Indian missions abroad will continue issuing physical and sticker visas.
- The Bureau of Immigration (BoI) grants electronic visas (e-visas) to nationals from 167 countries under seven categories.
- Visa-on-arrival is available for nationals of Japan, South Korea, and the UAE (only for UAE nationals who have previously obtained an Indian visa).
- Foreigners on long-term visas (over 180 days) for education, employment, research, and medical treatment must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) or Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) within 14 days of arrival.
- Pakistani nationals must register within 24 hours of arrival.
Regulation of Movement in Protected Areas
- Certain areas in India require special permits for foreign visitors, including:
  - Northeastern States (Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Sikkim, and parts of Manipur).
  - Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
  - Strategic border areas in Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

Rationale Behind the New Legislation

The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, is designed to:

Enhance National Security – By preventing illegal migration and overstaying foreigners.
Strengthen Law Enforcement – By centralizing and modernizing immigration laws.
Simplify Regulatory Compliance – By reducing administrative burdens on individuals and businesses.
Facilitate Economic Growth & Tourism – By ensuring a streamlined visa and immigration process.

Conclusion

The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 is a significant step in overhauling India’s immigration framework. By introducing stricter penalties, better tracking mechanisms, and simplified visa processes, it aims to balance security concerns with economic development. Once enacted, the legislation will play a crucial role in regulating the movement, stay, and exit of foreigners, ensuring that India remains both a secure and welcoming destination for travelers, students, and investors.