President Murmu approves Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025, new law replaces four existing Acts

Stricter penalties introduced for forged travel documents and overstaying foreigners

On Friday, President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, officially making it a law. The legislation, which addresses immigration and the management of foreign nationals in India, was notified through a gazette on April 4, 2025.

The new law introduces stringent penalties for individuals using forged travel documents and establishes comprehensive reporting requirements to monitor foreigners in the country.

Key provisions of the new law

Under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, anyone found using or supplying a forged or fraudulently obtained passport, visa, or other travel documents for entering, staying in, or exiting India will face imprisonment of two to seven years, along with a fine ranging from Rs.1 lakh to Rs.10 lakh.

The law also penalizes foreigners entering restricted areas without valid documents, with punishments including imprisonment for up to five years, a fine up to Rs.5 lakh, or both.

Mandatory reporting and airline compliance

The legislation mandates that hotels, educational institutions, hospitals, and nursing homes must report information about foreigners to help authorities track those who overstay their visas.

International airlines, shipping companies, and other carriers are also required to submit advance passenger and crew information to immigration authorities upon arrival at Indian ports or airports.

Enhanced government powers and premise control

The Central government is now empowered to control or restrict access to locations frequented by foreigners. Property owners may be ordered to close premises, limit usage under specified conditions, or deny entry to certain classes of foreigners as per government instructions.

Repeal of outdated Acts

The new law replaces and consolidates four previously existing laws:

• Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920
• Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939
• Foreigners Act, 1946
• Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000

This marks a significant overhaul in how India handles immigration and foreigner-related matters, streamlining processes under a single legal framework.

For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.

The post President Murmu approves Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025, new law replaces four existing Acts appeared first on PGurus.