Government Proposes Stringent Penalties for Illegal Entry into India
The Indian government is set to introduce the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha, aiming to impose stricter penalties on foreign nationals who enter the country without valid documentation. As reported by Business Standard, the proposed legislation prescribes imprisonment of up to five years and fines reaching ₹5 lakh for individuals entering India without a valid passport or visa. In cases where entry, stay, or departure is facilitated through forged travel documents, the punishment ranges from a minimum of two years to a maximum of seven years, with fines between ₹1 lakh and ₹10 lakh.
The bill seeks to consolidate existing immigration-related laws by repealing four acts:
1. The Foreigners Act, 1946
2. The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920
3. The Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939
4. The Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000
Additionally, the proposed legislation mandates that universities, hospitals, and medical institutions with lodging facilities report foreign nationals admitted to their institutions to a designated registration officer. Foreigners overstaying their visa, violating visa conditions, or entering restricted areas may face imprisonment of up to three years or fines of up to ₹3 lakh, or both.
Transport operators found ferrying individuals without valid documents will also be held accountable. Immigration officers will have the authority to impose penalties of up to ₹5 lakh on carriers. If the fine is not paid, authorities may seize or detain the vehicle, whether it be an aircraft, ship, or another mode of transport.
The bill grants the central government the power to impose restrictions on specific individuals or groups, including preventing departure from India, barring entry into certain areas, requiring biometric registration, or mandating departure at the individual’s own expense.
These measures reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening immigration control and ensuring national security. The proposed bill aims to create a more robust framework to manage the entry and stay of foreign nationals in India.
