The Central Government has notified amendments to the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025, introducing stricter registration requirements for foreign nationals staying in India for extended periods.
Under the revised rules, foreigners planning to remain in India must complete their registration before the expiry of the 180-day period, rather than waiting until the deadline approaches. Previously, registration had to be completed within 14 days after the end of the 180-day period. However, late registration beyond this period will now be permitted only under emergent circumstances.
The rules also provide relief for children born to parents where either or both are foreigners. Previously, parents had to electronically notify the registration officer within 30 days of the child's birth to avail visa services, including new visa grants and exit permission, via the designated online portal or mobile app. The notification clarifies that this requirement does not apply if either parent is an Indian citizen and wishes to retain the child's Indian citizenship. If the child later acquires foreign citizenship while in India, either parent must inform the registration officer within 30 days of this change.
The changes are aimed at strengthening monitoring and record-keeping of foreign nationals while improving the government's ability to respond to security and administrative requirements. The revised framework is part of the broader Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, which consolidates several older immigration laws into a single system governing the entry, stay, movement and exit of foreigners in India. Officials say the updated rules will help create a more streamlined and technology-driven immigration process.
Additionally, the notification revises reporting requirements and administrative procedures for hospitals, nursing homes and other medical institutions providing medical or lodging facilities. Overall, the changes alter registration timelines for certain foreign nationals, restrict extended stay registration to emergent cases, and update procedures related to children born to foreign parents and institutional reporting.
The government has emphasised that the reforms are intended to enhance national security, improve compliance and maintain accurate records of foreign visitors. The new provisions also align with the government's efforts to modernize immigration management through digital tracking and registration systems.
The notification is expected to impact foreign students, professionals, researchers, and long-term visitors residing in India, who will now need to ensure timely registration under the updated guidelines.
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