Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025

Syllabus: GS2/ Government policies & interventions

In News

• The Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 comes into effect bringing a comprehensive overhaul of India’s immigration and foreigner management regime.

Key Provisions of the Act

• Consolidation of Laws: The Act repeals and replaces the Foreigners Act (1946), Registration of Foreigners Act (1939), Passport (Entry into India) Act (1920), and Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act (2000), establishing a unified legal framework for immigration.
  • Entry, stay, and exit of foreigners are now governed by a single law, with digital integration for registration and tracking (e.g., DigiYatra, FRRO systems); carrier liability ensures airlines/shipping companies are accountable for transporting undocumented passengers.
• Registration of foreigners: The Act provides that on arrival in India, foreigners must register with a Registration Officer.
• Immigration: The Act provides that persons entering or departing from India must also have a valid visa (for foreigners) along with valid passports or other valid travel documents.  These documents may be examined by the immigration officer. 
• Punishment for Fraudulent Entry/Exit: Entering, staying, or exiting India using forged or fraudulently obtained passports or visas can result in imprisonment for up to 7 years and a fine of up to ₹10 lakh.
• Power of arrest: The Act empowers police officers not below the rank of a Head Constable to arrest without warrant.

Significance

• National Security: Imposes stricter penalties to counter fake documents used by terror and trafficking networks, helping prevent illegal immigration and overstays.
• Administrative Efficiency: Unifies fragmented, colonial-era statutes, minimizing duplication and improving the management roles of immigration authorities.
• Global Best Practices: Incorporates global standards such as carrier liability, biometric verification, and digital tracking.
• Economic & Social Impact: Enhances tracking of foreign students, workers, and tourists, and addresses pressing regional migration concerns, such as those from Bangladesh, Myanmar, and West Asian conflict zones.

Source: PRS