New immigration bill puts the onus on universities, hospitals

THE PROPOSED LAW SEEKS TO ABOLISH THE FOUR EXISTING LAWS WHICH DEFINE POWERS OF THE IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES

- Neeraj Chauhan

A comprehensive new legislation planned by the Union government puts the onus on educational and medical institutions, including hospitals and universities, as well as owners of private residences to inform the authorities about foreigners staying in their facility.

The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, which is likely to be introduced by Union home minister Amit Shah in the ongoing budget session of Parliament, obligates the carriers such as airlines and vessels to remove a passenger denied entry by the immigration officer and provide passenger and crew data to the authorities in advance. The bill carries a provision of up to ₹5 lakh in fine for the violating carriers.

The proposed legislation seeks to abolish four existing laws - the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939, the Foreigners Act, 1946 and the Immigration (Carriers' Liability) Act, 2000 - which currently govern various aspects related to foreigners in India and define the powers of immigration authorities.