Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasised that while India welcomes foreigners for business, education, and investment, strict action will be taken against those who pose a threat to national security.
During the debate on the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha, Shah stated, “India is not a dharamshala. Those who endanger national security will not be allowed entry. However, anyone contributing to the nation’s development is always welcome.” The bill was passed through a voice vote despite several amendments proposed by the Opposition.
Shah criticized the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and previous central governments for allowing Rohingyas and Bangladeshis to enter India using Aadhaar and voter ID cards, particularly in Assam and West Bengal. He accused the TMC government in Bengal and the previous Congress government in Assam of being the “real culprits” behind this infiltration.
Highlighting border security concerns, Shah pointed out that India shares a 2,216 km border with Bangladesh, of which 1,653 km has been fenced. However, 412 km of fencing remains incomplete due to the West Bengal government’s refusal to provide land. He blamed the state government’s leniency towards infiltrators, alleging that many illegal immigrants caught in India possess Aadhaar and voter ID cards issued in West Bengal’s 24 Parganas district. He further asserted that infiltration would end if the BJP wins the next election, scheduled for next year.
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 introduces stringent measures to monitor and regulate foreigners entering India. A key provision states that anyone using a fake passport or visa to enter, exit, or stay in the country could face up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to ₹10 lakh.
Additionally, hotels, universities, educational institutions, hospitals, and nursing homes will be required to report details of foreigners to facilitate tracking and prevent overstaying. Foreigners entering India without valid travel documents may face up to five years of imprisonment, a fine of up to ₹5 lakh, or both.
The bill also empowers the central government to regulate places frequented by foreigners, allowing authorities to close such locations, impose restrictions, or deny entry under specific conditions. It seeks to replace four existing laws governing immigration:
- The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920
- The Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939
- The Foreigners Act, 1946
- The Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000
Opposition MPs have raised concerns that the bill grants excessive powers to immigration authorities. Congress MP Manish Tewari pointed out that the government can exempt certain foreigners from these regulations, which could lead to arbitrary decision-making. Critics have demanded that the bill be referred to a joint parliamentary committee for a more thorough review before implementation.
