World Immigration News

Immigration and Foreigners Bill passed in parliament conferring certain powers on Centre regarding immigration

Release Date: 2025-04-02
Media: News On Air
Summary: The Indian Parliament has passed the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, with both the Rajya Sabha (upper house) and Lok Sabha (lower house) approving it. The bill seeks to regulate the immigration, entry, and stay of foreigners in India and repeals several outdated laws, including the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, and the Foreigners Act, 1946. Its purpose is to modernize immigration laws and grant the Central Government authority over passports, travel documents, visas, and registration, aiming to reduce legal overlap.

In response to the debate, Minister of State for Home, Nityanand Rai, explained that the bill would improve the management of foreigner records, enhance coordination among agencies, and simplify data verification. He also mentioned the Immigration Bureau would be the sole agency handling immigration matters. Opposition members, including Congress and TMC, opposed the bill, with some demanding it be referred to a Select Committee for further consideration. There were also calls to exclude Sri Lankan Tamil refugees from the definition of "foreigners." After the discussions, the house adjourned and will reconvene the next day.
Tags: INDIA

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