Overview

• The Rajya Sabha passed the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, on April 2, following the Lok Sabha's approval on March 27.
• The bill introduces stricter penalties, including fines up to ₹10 lakh and jail terms of up to seven years for violations.
• A digital database will track foreigners entering, staying, and exiting India, with mandatory reporting requirements for institutions like hotels and universities.
• Opposition lawmakers criticized the bill for granting sweeping powers to authorities, raising concerns about privacy and potential misuse.
• The legislation consolidates and replaces four pre-independence-era laws, aiming to modernize and streamline India's immigration framework.