Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaking in the Lok Sabha on the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, on Thursday. (Photo: Sansad TV via PTI)

On Thursday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the government is open to welcoming those who wish to come to India as tourists or for education, healthcare, and business.

Participating in the debate on the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha, he said,
"Those who pose a threat to national security will not be allowed entry into the country. India is not a 'dharamshala.' However, anyone coming to contribute to the nation's development is always welcome."

The Home Minister said that the proposed bill would strengthen the country's security, boost the economy and trade, and also promote the healthcare and education sectors. He further mentioned that the immigration bill would ensure that the government has up-to-date information about every foreigner entering India.

On Illegal Infiltration from Myanmar and Bangladesh

Speaking about the issue of illegal infiltration by Rohingyas from Myanmar and Bangladeshis, Amit Shah stated that the number of people seeking asylum in India for personal gain has increased, making the country vulnerable. He warned that if infiltrators attempt to create unrest in India, strict action would be taken against them.

The Bill Will Strengthen Security and Development

The Home Minister asserted that this bill would enhance national security and help India become the most developed nation by 2047. He assured,
"I want to assure the country that we will have updated information on every foreigner entering India."

Amit Shah Targets TMC Over Infiltration

Targeting the Trinamool Congress (TMC)-led government in West Bengal for not taking strict action against illegal infiltration, Amit Shah said that a 450-km-long border fencing work on the India-Bangladesh border is pending because the West Bengal government has not provided land for it.

He stated,
"Whenever the fencing process is about to be completed, the ruling party's workers engage in hooliganism and religious sloganeering. The fencing of 450 kilometers of the border remains incomplete because the West Bengal government is showing sympathy for infiltrators."

He further mentioned,
"Out of the total 2,200 kilometers of land border, only 450 kilometers remain to be fenced. However, the West Bengal government is not providing land for the fencing work."

The Home Minister revealed that despite the Central Government sending 11 letters to the West Bengal government and holding seven rounds of discussions with state officials, the fencing work remains stalled.

He alleged,
"Illegal immigration is happening only in that region. The state government is ensuring that infiltrators get Aadhaar cards, and they are spreading across different parts of the country."

He added,
"The highest number of fake Aadhaar cards have been found in South 24 Parganas."

Key Provisions of the Immigration Bill, 2025

According to the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, if a person is found using a forged passport or visa to enter, stay, or leave India, they could face:

• Up to seven years of imprisonment
• A fine of up to ₹10 lakh

The proposed bill also mandates that hotels, universities, educational institutions, hospitals, and nursing homes must provide information about foreigners, ensuring that those overstaying beyond the permitted duration can be tracked.

Additionally, the bill states that any foreigner entering India without valid travel documents, such as a passport or visa, or violating provisions of the law, could face:

• Up to five years of imprisonment
• A fine of up to ₹5 lakh
• Or both

Currently, issues related to foreigners and immigration are governed by four different laws:

1. The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920
2. The Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939
3. The Foreigners Act, 1946
4. The Immigration (Carrier Liability) Act, 2000

The new bill proposes repealing all these laws and replacing them with a single, comprehensive immigration law.

Top of Form

Problem of Illegal Immigration in India

Illegal immigration in India is a serious national security, social, economic, and political challenge. It is primarily linked to unauthorized infiltration from Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan, Nepal, and other neighboring countries. Due to India’s 15,106 km-long land border and several natural water boundaries, controlling this issue becomes complex.

Major Causes of Illegal Immigration

1. Economic Inequality: Due to economic instability in neighboring countries, especially Bangladesh and Myanmar, people migrate to India in search of jobs.
2. Political Instability and Violence: Rohingya refugees from Myanmar and minority communities (Hindus, Sikhs, Christians) from Pakistan and Afghanistan seek asylum in India due to religious persecution.
3. Geographical Factors: Open water boundaries and river channels along the India-Bangladesh border make infiltration easier.
4. Lax Government Policies: Some state governments fail to take action due to vote-bank politics.
5. Policies of Neighboring Countries: In some cases, governments of neighboring countries adopt a hidden strategy to send their population to India, either to reduce their domestic burden or due to security concerns.

Impact of Illegal Immigration in India

1. Impact on National Security

• Threat of infiltration by terrorist organizations (ISI, Al-Qaeda, Bangladeshi extremist groups).
• Demographic imbalance and increased insurgency in Assam and West Bengal.
• Ethnic conflicts in Northeastern states (e.g., Bodo-Muslim conflict, Manipur violence).

2. Economic Impact

• Increased burden on government resources (ration, healthcare, education, housing).
• Local unemployment rises as illegal migrants take away jobs.
• Lower wage rates in the unorganized sector due to the presence of illegal Bangladeshi laborers.

3. Social Impact

• Demographic imbalance and cultural clashes.
• Conflicts with local communities in Assam, West Bengal, and Tripura.
• Rise in crime rates due to illegal immigrants (human trafficking, counterfeit currency, drug smuggling).

4. Political Impact

• Electoral fraud as illegal immigrants obtain voter ID and Aadhaar cards.
• Allegations against political parties for protecting illegal immigrants for vote-bank politics.
• Infiltration of anti-national forces in border states.

Steps Taken by the Government

1. Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019 – Provides citizenship to persecuted minorities (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians) from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
2. National Register of Citizens (NRC) – Implemented in Assam to identify illegal immigrants.
3. Border Management – Enhanced smart fencing, radar surveillance, and BSF patrolling along the India-Bangladesh border.
4. Deportation Policy – The government has started deporting Rohingya Muslims and illegal Bangladeshi migrants.
5. Strict Immigration Laws – Recently proposed Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, aims to take stringent action against illegal immigrants.
6. Diplomatic Talks with Neighboring Countries – Discussions with Bangladesh and Myanmar to curb illegal migration.

Solutions and Way Forward

✔ Strict Border Surveillance – Strengthening smart fencing, drone surveillance, and AI-based identification systems.
✔ Harsh Penalties for Illegal Immigrants – Imposing fines and imprisonment for undocumented individuals.
✔ Nationwide Implementation of NRC – Verifying citizenship across the country.
✔ International Cooperation – Establishing a joint border security mechanism with Bangladesh and Myanmar.
✔ Community Involvement – Encouraging local citizens to report illegal infiltration.

Conclusion

Illegal immigration remains a major challenge to India’s national security, economy, and social fabric. Addressing this issue requires legal reforms, diplomatic efforts, and technological solutions. If strict measures are not implemented in time, instability in India’s border states may escalate.

(UPSC/PSC Mains Answer Writing Tip)

"India should prioritize national security and curb illegal immigration through smart surveillance, stringent legal actions, and effective diplomatic engagements."

Useful Notes for UPSC

• 📍 Most Affected States – Assam, West Bengal, Tripura, Manipur, Nagaland
• 📍 Legal Provisions – Foreigners Act, 1946; Passport Act, 1920; CAA, 2019

 Potential UPSC Questions (Mains/Essay/Interview)

• • "Discuss the causes, impact, and solutions of illegal immigration in India."
  • "Evaluate the issue of illegal migration in the context of national security."
  • "Discuss India’s policy on CAA and NRC and their implications."

Important Points for MCQs

✅ Which country shares the longest international border with India? → Bangladesh (4096 km)
✅ Where was NRC implemented for the first time? → Assam
✅ Which countries' refugees are granted citizenship under CAA, 2019? → Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan
✅ How many kilometers of fencing work is pending along the India-Bangladesh border? → 450 km

Topic Related Videos ⬇️