President Murmu Approves Immigration Bill to Tighten Border Laws

• Jun 2, 2025

President Murmu Clears Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 — New Law Aims to Tighten Border Controls and Curb Illegal Entry

In a landmark move, President Droupadi Murmu has officially signed the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 into law, bringing major changes to India’s approach towards immigration and the treatment of undocumented foreign nationals.

🔍 Overview of the New Law

The bill, recently passed by both Houses of Parliament, is designed to replace older and outdated immigration regulations. It aims to create a robust legal structure for identifying, regulating, and taking action against foreigners staying unlawfully in the country.

Under the newly enacted legislation, forging travel documents like visas or passports could now lead to imprisonment of up to seven years, along with a fine that may reach ₹10 lakh. This provision targets both unauthorized migrants and those helping them.

🏨 Hotels, Colleges, Transporters Must Report Foreign Nationals

In a significant expansion of oversight, businesses and institutions—including hotels, educational institutions, and transportation providers—will now be legally obligated to share information about any foreign nationals they accommodate or serve.

Airlines and shipping companies operating internationally must also submit detailed passenger data to the Indian government prior to arrival, enhancing surveillance and border security.

🛂 Streamlined Process for Detention and Deportation

The law gives broader powers to immigration authorities to detain, investigate, and deport foreigners who are found to be staying without valid documentation. It also introduces a centralized system for tracking such individuals through integrated databases.

Government officials say this will not only improve enforcement but also prevent misuse of the Indian immigration system by syndicates involved in illegal migration, trafficking, or terrorism.

⚖️ Concerns from Opposition Leaders

While the government has hailed the bill as a much-needed modernization of India’s immigration policy, several opposition members raised concerns over excessive authority being granted to immigration officers. Critics argue that without proper checks, the law may be used to harass certain groups or over-police foreign students, workers, and asylum seekers.

However, the Home Ministry maintains that all measures are in line with international norms and aim to protect national interests without compromising human rights.