Immigration Bill introduced in LS

Source: Economic Times

Context: The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, was introduced in Lok Sabha to streamline immigration laws governing the entry, stay, and exit of foreigners in India.

• The Opposition raised concerns over its constitutional validity and sought its referral to a Joint Parliamentary Committee.

About Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025:

What is the Immigration Bill?

• The bill aims to consolidate and modernize existing immigration laws in India.

• It seeks to replace four existing laws: The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 The Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939 The Foreigners Act, 1946 The Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000

• The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920

• The Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939

• The Foreigners Act, 1946

• The Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000

Nodal Ministry

• Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India

Key Features of the Bill

• Regulation of Foreign Nationals: Mandates passport and visa requirements for entry and stay in India. Establishes a clear legal framework for deportation, detention, and registration.

• Establishes a clear legal framework for deportation, detention, and registration.

• Centralized Database & Monitoring: Introduces digital tracking of foreigners, ensuring real-time immigration data. Makes hospitals, universities, and institutions responsible for reporting foreign nationals.

• Makes hospitals, universities, and institutions responsible for reporting foreign nationals.

• Streamlining Existing Laws: Eliminates redundant and outdated provisions from pre-Constitution laws. Brings immigration regulations under a single comprehensive law.

• Brings immigration regulations under a single comprehensive law.

• No Appeal Mechanism for Immigration Officers’ Decisions: Grants immigration officers absolute authority in deciding entry and stay. Critics argue this violates natural justice and constitutional rights.

• Critics argue this violates natural justice and constitutional rights.

Provisions for Immigration in India

• The Citizenship Act, 1955: Governs acquisition, renunciation, and termination of Indian citizenship.

• The Foreigners Act, 1946: Regulates the entry and exit of foreigners in India.

• The Visa Regulations: Issued under the Passport Act, 1920, defining entry conditions.

• Refugee Policies: Though India is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, it provides asylum on a case-by-case basis (e.g., Tibetans, Sri Lankan Tamils, Rohingyas).