India has tightened its immigration rules with the
Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, which came into force on
1st september 2025. This legislation updates old laws, increases penalties, and expands monitoring of foreigners in India. Here’s everything you need to know.
1. Tougher Penalties for Fake Passports and Visas
The new law targets anyone
using or supplying forged travel documents:
Prison Term: 2 to 7 years
Fine: Rs 1 lakh to Rs 10 lakhThe act makes it clear that fake passports or visas will no longer be a minor offense. The government aims to curb illegal entry and misuse of identity in India.
2. Consequences for Illegal Entry
Foreign nationals entering india without proper documents data-face
strict punishment:
Jail: Up to 5 years
Fine: Up to Rs 5 lakh
Or Both: The court can impose both imprisonment and finesThis ensures that overstaying or illegal entry is taken seriously.
3. Institutions Must Report Foreigners
To improve tracking, the Act mandates
reporting of foreigners by:Hotels and guesthousesUniversities and educational institutionsHospitals and medical centersOther public or private institutionsThis step aims to prevent illegal stays and improve compliance with immigration rules.
4. airlines and Shipping Companies on Notice
International carriers now have new responsibilities:Provide
passenger and crew details to immigration authorities
in advanceEnsure travelers meet entry requirements before boardingThis makes it harder for illegal entrants to bypass data-border checks.
5. Regulating Premises Visited by Foreigners
The central government can now:
Order closures of premises frequented by foreignersImpose
conditions on their useRestrict entry for certain categories of foreign nationalsThis is aimed at preventing misuse of properties for illegal activities or overstays.
6. Replacing Outdated Laws
The Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, consolidates
four older laws:Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939Foreigners Act, 1946Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000The new law simplifies enforcement, updates provisions for modern travel, and strengthens penalties.
7. Key Takeaway
With the
Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, india has clearly signaled a
zero-tolerance policy for forged documents and illegal entry. Travelers and institutions must comply strictly with reporting and documentation rules, or data-face
heavy fines and jail terms.