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 lakh

The 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 face strict punishment:

Jail: Up to 5 years

Fine: Up to Rs 5 lakh

Or Both: The court can impose both imprisonment and fines

This 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 guesthouses

Universities and educational institutions

Hospitals and medical centers

Other public or private institutions

This 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 advance

Ensure travelers meet entry requirements before boarding

This makes it harder for illegal entrants to bypass border checks.


5. Regulating Premises Visited by Foreigners

The central government can now:

Order closures of premises frequented by foreigners

Impose conditions on their use

Restrict entry for certain categories of foreign nationals

This 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 Replacing Outdated Laws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, 1920

Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939

Foreigners Act, 1946

Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000

The 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 face heavy fines and jail terms.

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G GOWTHAM

03/09/2025 09:13 AM