Parliament passes Immigration and Foreigners Bill with Rajya Sabha nod
Parliament approved a bill to regulate immigration, entry and stay of foreigners in India, with the Rajya Sabha giving its nod on Wednesday.
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, was passed in Lok Sabha on March 27. The Rajya Sabha passed the Bill by voice vote on Wednesday after various amendments moved by Opposition members were negated.
Replying to the discussion on the Bill, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai attacked the previous Congress government and the TMC dispensation in West Bengal for "aiding" illegal immigrants’ entry into the country and "facilitating" their stay by including their names in voters' list and ration cards.
This was strongly objected to by the Congress and TMC members, who along with other opposition parties' MPs, staged a walkout from the Upper House.
One of the key provisions in the Bill is that anyone found to be using a forged passport or visa for entering India or staying in or exiting from the country will be punishable with a jail term of up to seven years and a fine which could extend up to Rs 10 lakh.
The Bill also seeks to ensure a close monitoring of everyone who visits India. The proposed legislation also provides for mandatory reporting of information about foreigners by hotels, universities, other educational institutions, hospitals and nursing homes to enable tracking of overstaying foreigners.
During the discussion, Rai said, "As many as 26 members expressed their views on the Bill. It was necessary to bring this Bill to make our universities, education system and economy world class level."
