Tue Mar 11 12:39:11 UTC 2025: ## India Introduces Sweeping New Immigration Law, Tightening Control Over Foreigners

**New Delhi** – India’s Parliament has seen the introduction of a comprehensive new immigration bill, granting the government significantly expanded powers over the entry, movement, and expulsion of foreigners. The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, replaces four existing laws dating back to the British era and aims to streamline the process while enhancing national security measures.

The bill, tabled by Home Minister Amit Shah, will allow the government to deny visas on national security grounds, restrict movement within the country, and impose penalties for violations of immigration rules. Crucially, it grants immigration officers final authority in visa denials based on national security concerns. The government will also have explicit powers to deport foreigners or grant exemptions.

The legislation also introduces regulations for the admission of foreigners to universities, hospitals, and other educational and medical institutions – a previously unregulated area. It clarifies the roles and functions of immigration officers and provides more legal backing for the Bureau of Immigration.

While the government emphasizes simplification and modernization, critics point to the bill’s potential for increased restrictions. The bill explicitly states that foreigners deemed a threat to India’s national security, sovereignty, or integrity will be denied entry. This power has been exercised previously, as evidenced by the recent visa denials of Indian-American politician Kshama Sawant and the deportation of British national Nitasha Kaul. Both women are outspoken critics of the government.

The new law, comprising six chapters and 35 clauses, defines requirements for visas, including passports, and outlines the registration process for foreigners staying longer than 180 days (tourists excluded). Foreigners will be required to carry proof of their status at all times. The bill will consolidate 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, updated framework. The bill is currently under parliamentary consideration.

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