The Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025: What Changed and Who It Affects

One law in place of four

The Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 replaces the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939, the Foreigners Act, 1946 and the Immigration (Carriers' Liability) Act, 2000. It brings entry, stay, registration and exit of foreigners under one statute, with rules and orders made under it.

Duties on institutions

The Act requires certain establishments to report foreigners to the registration authorities. These include places providing accommodation, universities and educational institutions admitting foreign students, and hospitals, nursing homes and medical institutions admitting foreign patients or providing them accommodation. Schools and hospitals with foreign students or patients should build this into their admission process.

Penalties

• Entering India without a valid passport or visa: imprisonment and fine
• Knowingly using a forged or fraudulently obtained passport or visa: higher punishment, with a minimum term
• Overstay and breach of visa conditions: imprisonment, fine or both
• Carriers bringing passengers without valid documents: monetary penalty

What Indian citizens should know

Indian citizens continue to need a valid passport to leave and re-enter India under the Passports Act, 1967, which remains in force. Persons who help foreigners obtain documents fraudulently can also be prosecuted.

Before relying on this summary

The penalties, reporting formats and timelines are set out in the Act and the rules and orders notified under it. Check the current text for the precise provision that applies to your situation.