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The Lok Sabha has passed the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, which aims to strengthen India's security and streamline immigration policies.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while defending the bill, asserted that India was not a 'dharamshala' (shelter home) and would not allow those with malicious intentions to enter the country.
Shah stated that the government was open to welcoming foreigners who visit India for tourism, education, healthcare, and business. However, he emphasised that individuals posing a threat to national security would be strictly dealt with.
He reiterated that the Narendra Modi-led government was committed to preventing any attempts to create unrest in the country through illegal infiltration.
Highlighting the significance of the bill, Shah said it would help track foreigners entering India, ensuring the nation has updated records.
He pointed out the issue of illegal migration, particularly from Myanmar and Bangladesh, and warned that those seeking refuge in India for personal gains at the expense of national security would face strict action.
The Home Minister criticised the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal for allegedly not taking decisive steps against illegal infiltration.
He claimed that a 450-km stretch of border fencing along the India-Bangladesh border remained incomplete because the state government did not provide land for the project. Shah accused TMC workers of obstructing fencing work by engaging in hooliganism and religious sloganeering.
He further alleged that the state government facilitated Aadhaar cards for infiltrators, enabling them to spread across India.
According to the provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, individuals using forged passports or visas to enter, stay in, or exit India will face imprisonment of up to seven years and a fine of up to ₹10 lakh.
The bill also mandates hotels, universities, hospitals, and other institutions to report the presence of foreigners to track overstaying individuals.
Additionally, any foreigner entering India without a valid passport or visa will face imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of up to ₹5 lakh, or both. The new bill will replace four existing laws, including the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, and the Foreigners Act, 1946.
Shah expressed confidence that the bill would play a crucial role in safeguarding national security while promoting India's growth as a global economic power. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to making India the most developed nation in the world by 2047.
