The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 11, 2025, aims to modernize India’s immigration framework with simpler visa processes, stricter compliance rules and enhanced security measures.

Key Points:

  • The bill proposes a centralized governing body to oversee all immigration matters, a digital platform to speed up immigration processing and state-level immigration centers to provide local support.
  • Six new visa types were introduced to attract global founders, simplify business travel and make it easier to hire foreign specialists.
  • Foreign nationals who stay longer than 180 days will be required to register with the National Foreigners Registry, and universities, hospitals and companies must report foreign nationals to the Registration Officer.
  • The bill imposes heavy fines for noncompliance, including a fine of ₹500,000 rupees (about US$5,814) per illegal worker employed.

Additional Information: The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, is still under legislative consideration and has not yet been enacted.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. 

Copyright © 2025 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.