Context : Provisions of the Bill
- Stricter penalties for using forged documents
- Imprisonment: 2 to 7 years
- Fine: ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh
- Illegal entry without valid documents
- Jail term: Up to 5 years
- Fine: Up to ₹5 lakh
- Mandatory reporting by institutions
- Hotels, universities, hospitals, and nursing homes must report foreign nationals for tracking overstayers.
- Airlines and ships to submit passenger and crew manifests at Indian ports.
- Comprehensive framework
- The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 aims to regulate all immigration-related matters.
- Repeals 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
Significance of the Bill
- National security:
- Strengthens immigration control to prevent illegal entry, exit, and overstay.
- Helps in tracking foreigners to mitigate risks of espionage, terrorism, and other threats.
- Ease of business and tourism:
- Simplifies legal framework by replacing multiple outdated laws.
- Ensures better compliance while reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
- Legal modernization:
- Aligns with global best practices in immigration and border security.
- Introduces stricter penal provisions to curb identity fraud and unauthorized stay.
- Impact on foreigners in India:
- Foreigners on long-term visas (more than 180 days) must continue registering with FRRO/FRO within 14 days.
- Stricter penalties may lead to better compliance with visa rules.
Potential Challenges & Criticism
- Enforcement Issues:
- Effective implementation requires robust tracking and verification mechanisms.
- Dependence on multiple agencies (FRRO, police, airlines) could lead to bureaucratic delays.
- Tourism and business impact:
- Stricter penalties may discourage foreign investments and tourism if not balanced well.
- Need for clear guidelines to avoid harassment of genuine travelers.
- Human Rights Concerns:
- Possible misuse of the law for targeting specific groups.
- Need for fair appeal mechanisms to ensure justice..
