The Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, came into effect today, introducing robust measures to regulate immigration and impose severe penalties for using forged passports or visas. Passed during the Budget session and assented to by President Droupadi Murmu on April 4, 2025, the Act consolidates and replaces four outdated laws, including the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, and the Foreigners Act, 1946, to streamline immigration governance.

The new legislation imposes harsh punishments for immigration violations. Individuals caught using or supplying forged passports or visas for entering, staying in, or exiting India face imprisonment of two to seven years and fines ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh. Additionally, foreigners entering restricted areas without valid travel documents could face up to five years in prison, a fine of up to ₹5 lakh, or both.

The Act also mandates hotels, educational institutions, and hospitals to report information about foreigners to authorities, enabling better tracking of overstaying individuals. International airlines and ships must submit passenger and crew manifests to immigration officers at Indian ports.

To enhance control, the Act empowers the central government to regulate premises frequented by foreigners, including ordering closures or restricting access to specific groups. Announced via a notification by Nitesh Kumar Vyas, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, the law reflects India’s commitment to strengthening border security and immigration oversight while fostering compliance through comprehensive reporting mechanisms.

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