The Lok Sabha has passed the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, a comprehensive legislation aimed at regulating foreigners and immigration in India. The bill grants the Central Government authority to regulate locations frequently visited by foreigners. It also allows officials to order closures, impose specific conditions for use, or restrict entry to certain foreign individuals or groups. Despite multiple amendments proposed by the Opposition, the bill was approved through a voice vote.
During the debate in Lok Sabha, Home Minister Amit Shah stated that while India welcomes businesspeople, students, and investors, those posing a security threat will face strict action. However, he made it clear that individuals posing a security threat would face strict action. Shah reaffirmed that the Modi-led government would block only those with malafide intentions, stating that India is not a “dharmshala” (shelter for all).
During the debate, Shah underscored the bill’s significance in enhancing national security, boosting the economy, promoting manufacturing and trade, and elevating India’s education system to global recognition. He stated that the legislation would also benefit the health and education sectors, further strengthening India’s international standing.
Shah stressed the need for comprehensive monitoring of foreigners visiting India, ensuring authorities have up-to-date information on their purpose and duration of stay.
“This is very important. The main issue is that the immigration is not an isolated subject but it is directly or indirectly linked to various issues. The bill will ensure a close monitoring of everyone who visits India, why do they visit India and how long they want to stay in India. It is absolutely necessary to know the details of every foreigner visiting India,” Shah said after over the three-hour-long debate.