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Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025 introduced in Lok Sabha
Context:
The Immigration (Entry and Regulation) Bill, 2024 seeks to consolidate and replace four existing laws: The Foreigners Act, 1946; The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920; The Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939; and The Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000.
- The bill aims to streamline the entry, stay, and exit of foreign nationals in India while ensuring national security and economic considerations.
- It introduces modernised mechanisms for border control, visa policies, and deportation procedures.
Key Provisions of the Bill
- Centralised Immigration Management System: zof a Central Immigration Bureau (CIB) for uniform immigration policies and administration.
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- Integration of digital databases and biometric verification for foreign nationals entering and exiting India.
- Collaboration between CIB and state governments for efficient monitoring and enforcement.
- Visa Regulations and Categories: Comprehensive visa classification system covering tourism, business, employment, study, and medical categories.
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- Introduction of e-visa and long-term visa policies for ease of access.
- Mechanisms for visa cancellation, revocation, and blacklisting of violators.
- Regulation of Entry, Stay, and Exit: Mandatory registration for foreign nationals staying beyond a specified period.
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- Strict penalties for overstaying, visa violations, and illegal entry.
- Legal provisions for deportation and repatriation in coordination with international laws.
- Border Security and Illegal Immigration: Strengthening border security measures to prevent illegal infiltration and human trafficking.
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- Framework for tracking and monitoring unauthorised immigrants through advanced surveillance.
- Special provisions for managing refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons.
- Carrier Liability and Responsibilities: Airlines and shipping companies will be held accountable for transporting passengers without valid documentation.
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- Heavy penalties on carriers failing to comply with prescribed regulations.
- Immigration Tribunals and Legal Framework: Establishment of Immigration Tribunals to handle disputes related to visas, deportations, and entry restrictions.
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- Streamlined legal process ensuring fair hearings and speedy disposal of immigration cases.
- Provisions for appeals against immigration decisions.
Significance of the Bill
- National Security and Border Control: Enhanced screening and monitoring of foreign nationals to prevent terrorism, espionage, and illegal activities.
- Strengthened coordination between security agencies and immigration authorities.
- Economic and Tourism Impact: Simplification of visa processes to boost tourism, business investments, and foreign collaborations.
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- Attracting skilled workers and professionals through clear visa guidelines.
- Legal Clarity and Administrative Efficiency: Unifying immigration laws reduces ambiguities and inconsistencies.
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- Efficient grievance redressal mechanism through specialised tribunals.
- Humanitarian Considerations: Provisions for handling refugees and asylum seekers in compliance with international human rights laws.
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- Clear distinction between economic migrants and those fleeing persecution.
Challenges and Concerns
- Implementation Hurdles: Coordination between central and state agencies may pose administrative challenges.
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- Ensuring proper training and technological upgradation of immigration personnel.
- Rights of Migrants and Refugees: Concerns over potential misuse of deportation provisions.
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- Need for a balanced approach between security and humanitarian obligations.
- Technological and Infrastructure Gaps: Deployment of biometric systems and digital databases requires significant investment.
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- Cybersecurity risks associated with handling sensitive immigration data.
Way Forward
- Strengthening Institutional Mechanisms: Robust coordination between CIB, state authorities, and security agencies.
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- Capacity-building programs for immigration officials and law enforcement personnel.
- Technological Integration and Modernisation: Investment in AI-driven immigration monitoring and digital documentation.
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- Secure data-sharing mechanisms to enhance efficiency while protecting privacy.
- Ensuring Fair and Transparent Policies: Safeguarding the rights of migrants, asylum seekers, and foreign workers.
- Periodic review of immigration policies based on evolving national and global trends.
