Tue Mar 11 12:39:00 UTC 2025: ## India Unveils New Immigration Law Expanding Government Powers

**New Delhi** – India’s Parliament has seen the tabling of a new Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, designed to overhaul the country’s immigration laws. The legislation, introduced by Home Minister Amit Shah, consolidates four existing laws – the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920; the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939; the Foreigners Act, 1946; and the Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000 – into a single, modernized framework.

The bill grants the government significantly expanded powers over the entry and stay of foreigners in India. Key provisions include:

* **Enhanced National Security Powers:** The government will have the authority to deny visas and deport individuals deemed a threat to national security, sovereignty, or integrity. The decision of immigration officers on such matters will be final.
* **Regulation of Institutional Admissions:** The bill will regulate the admission of foreign nationals to universities, hospitals, and other educational and medical institutions.
* **Clarified Roles and Responsibilities:** The law clarifies the roles and responsibilities of immigration officers and strengthens the legal backing for the Bureau of Immigration.
* **Streamlined Processes:** The bill aims to simplify existing regulations and reduce overlapping jurisdictions.

While the government asserts the bill modernizes and streamlines immigration procedures, critics point to the potential for increased restrictions on entry and potential for abuse of power. The bill’s provisions allowing for visa denial on national security grounds have raised concerns, particularly in light of recent high-profile cases involving the denial of visas to outspoken critics of the government, such as Indian-American politician Kshama Sawant.

The new law also specifies the government’s ability to grant exemptions from certain immigration requirements and clarifies the process for registering foreign nationals, who are required to register if staying for over 180 days, with exceptions for tourists. All foreigners will continue to be required to carry proof of their foreign status.

The 35-clause bill, structured across six chapters, is currently awaiting parliamentary approval. Its passage would represent a significant shift in India’s immigration policy, granting the government greater control over who enters and remains in the country.

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