India eyes stricter immigration rules as Modi govt readies new bill

The Union government is planning to table The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 during the Budget session starting Friday.

The Bill is likely to introduce stricter measures to control illegal migration, especially in the wake of the crackdown on undocumented migrants from Bangladesh.

It will also facilitate various services related to immigration and foreigners, including their entry, exit, and stay in the country, sources said to The Economic Times.

The Bill is expected to be introduced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The entry, stay, and exit of foreigners in India are currently governed by the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939, and the Foreigners Act, 1946. If passed, the new Bill will replace these Acts.

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The Union Cabinet is yet to review the Bill, which is expected to be cleared next week. Sources suggest it may include stricter immigration controls, improved border security, and stronger enforcement measures.

The legislation aims to simplify immigration services, including the entry, exit, and stay of foreigners in India, sources said. It is speculated that the Opposition may oppose the Bill.

This is among 16 Bills that are part of a tentative list of legislations to be tabled by the Narendra Modi-led government in the Budget session.

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The Waqf Amendment Bill is also among the Bills set to be presented in Parliament.

The list of Bills was shared with Parliamentary floor leaders at an all-party meeting.

Illegal immigration has become a key issue in the Delhi Assembly election campaign, with both the BJP and AAP accusing each other of helping Bangladeshi and Rohingya immigrants enter India illegally. The issue also gained attention after the BJP raised it in its Jharkhand Assembly election campaign, citing concerns over the illegal movement of Bangladeshis in the state.