The Union government introduced the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, aiming to streamline immigration services, including the entry, exit, and stay of foreigners in India. The move, however, faced strong resistance from the Opposition, which argued that the Bill violated constitutional provisions and fundamental rights.
Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, who introduced the Bill, defended the government’s decision, emphasizing that while India welcomed tourists, maintaining national security and sovereignty was its foremost responsibility. He dismissed claims that Parliament lacked legislative authority to enact such a law, asserting that the Bill was necessary to address overlapping provisions in existing immigration laws.
Congress MP Manish Tewari was among the most vocal critics, arguing that the Bill could be misused to deny entry to individuals based on ideological grounds. He pointed out that Clause 3(1) granted sweeping powers to the government to restrict foreign nationals from entering India on various grounds, including national security, public health, or any other reason the government deemed necessary. Tewari also raised concerns over the absence of an appeal mechanism for foreigners denied entry, which, he argued, went against natural justice.
Further concerns were raised regarding the Bill’s provisions that would require hospitals and nursing homes to share details of foreign patients and their attendants. Tewari urged the government to either withdraw the Bill or refer it to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for thorough examination, stressing that it could violate key constitutional principles.
Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy criticized the Bill as unnecessary, stating that India already had four existing laws regulating the movement of foreigners. He warned that imposing additional reporting obligations on universities and medical institutions could discourage international talent from coming to India, potentially harming research and education.
Before formally introducing the Bill, Rai countered the Opposition’s arguments by stating that no country in the world provides an appeal mechanism for foreigners regarding their entry or exit decisions. He reiterated that the Bill aimed to remove duplications in existing laws while ensuring a more efficient immigration system.
Currently, immigration and foreigner-related matters are governed by multiple laws, including the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939, the Foreigners Act, 1946, the Citizenship Act, 1955, the Passports Act, 1967, and the Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000. The government argues that a new, consolidated framework is needed to bring clarity and efficiency to immigration processes.
As the debate continues, the Bill remains a contentious issue, with the Opposition demanding further scrutiny before it is enacted. The government, however, appears determined to push forward, citing the need for a more streamlined and secure immigration system.
