Parl clears bill to strengthen immigration laws

The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, a legislation aimed at strengthening security procedures for and monitoring of visitors, including new provisions for real-time tracking of people entering, staying and exiting the country, along with steeper penalties for violators.

- Zia Haq

The bill, already passed by the Lok Sabha on March 27, was cleared by a voice vote after a debate and will now be sent for President Droupadi Murmu's approval. Several members of the Opposition red-flagged the sweeping powers given to the immigration bureau under the bill. They said the bill treated all foreigners with suspicion and some of its provisions violated the privacy of individuals.

Replying to the debate, Union minister of state for home Nityanand Rai said India would always welcome visitors, citing the country's "centuries of history as a welcoming place". He said an updated immigration law was necessary to check anybody with "mala fide intentions" from entering India.