President Approved: New Immigration Law Now In Effect

The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, recently passed by the Lok Sabha under the NDA alliance, has officially become law after receiving the President’s approval on April 4. With the gazette notification now issued, the law is set to be implemented across the country.

This new law introduces strict penalties for those entering India illegally or using fake documents, with jail terms of up to five years and fines reaching Rs 10 lakh. It also increases accountability for institutions and transport providers handling foreign nationals.

Educational institutions, hospitals, and airlines must now report the presence of foreign nationals to authorities. Carriers that transport passengers without valid documents may face fines up to Rs 5 lakh. Additionally, the central government gains broader powers to regulate immigration for reasons like national security and public health. This law aims to tighten border control and improve the management of foreign nationals in India.