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New Bill proposes jail term up to 7 years for using forged passport

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    • Simplifies legal framework by replacing multiple outdated laws.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..

March 2025
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