India introduces Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025, aims to curb illegal migration

New Delhi: The Indian government introduced the Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025 in the Lok Sabha on March 11, aiming to streamline immigration laws and curb illegal migration. However, the bill has also raised concerns in some quarters.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, who introduced the bill, said it seeks to consolidate four existing Acts into a single law. The proposed legislation includes provisions for jail terms and fines for illegal migration and individuals entering the country without proper documents.

“This bill will empower the central government to establish passport and document requirements for people entering and leaving India,” Rai said. It will also regulate matters related to foreigners, including visas, registration, and other legal aspects of their stay.

According to Rai, three of the four Acts being replaced were enacted before India’s Constitution was framed, dating back to the First and Second World Wars.

“The necessary provisions from existing laws have been incorporated into the bill,” he said.