NEW DELHI, Jan 30: The Government is anticipated to present a bill in Parliament aimed at enhancing the processes related to immigration and foreign nationals, covering aspects of their entry, departure, and residence within the country, sources reported.
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, is set to be introduced during the forthcoming Budget Session by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
This legislation intends to streamline the various services associated with immigration and foreign nationals, including their entry, stay, and exit from India, as per the sources.
Currently, the entry, stay, and exit procedures for foreigners in India are governed by the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939, and the Foreigners Act, 1946.
Indian missions or posts abroad can issue all categories of visas to foreigners in physical or sticker form, while the Bureau of Immigration (BoI) provides electronic visas under seven categories for individuals from 167 countries.
Additionally, visa-on-arrival is available at six designated airports for nationals of three countries — Japan, South Korea, and the UAE (specifically for UAE citizens who previously obtained an e-visa or regular visa for India).
The movement, stay, and exit of foreigners are managed by the BoI along with state governments and Union Territory administrations.
Under current legislation, foreigners on long-term (exceeding 180 days) student, medical, research, employment, missionary, and project visas must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) or the relevant Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) within 14 days of their arrival.
Pakistani citizens must register within 24 hours of entering the country.
Other relevant laws affecting foreigners in India include the Citizenship Act, 1955, which oversees the acquisition and termination of Indian citizenship, and the registration of foreigners as Overseas Citizens of India (OCI).
The Passports Act, 1967, governs the issuance of passports and travel documents, controlling the departure of Indian citizens and others from India, while the Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000, penalizes carriers for transporting passengers into India in violation of the Passport Act.
In addition to movement and visa protocols, certain protected areas in India require special permits for foreign nationals to visit, including various northeastern states, the entirety of Andaman and Nicobar, and specific regions in Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
According to data from the Union Home Ministry, a total of 98,40,321 (98.40 lakh) foreigners visited India from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024. (PTI)
