The act provides powers to Central Government to regulate the immigration, entry, and stay of foreigners in India.
- It replaces four laws – the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939, the Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000.
Key Highlights of Act
- Immigration Posts: It empowers central government to notify designated immigration posts for entry into and exit from India.
- Bureau of Immigration: It provides for setting up of Bureau of Immigration for performing immigration functions including visa issuance and regulation of entry, transit, stay and movement within India.
- Registration of Foreigners: It requires foreigners to register with a Registration Officer upon their arrival in India.
- Reporting Obligation: It requires information of foreigners from carriers landing in India, educational institutions admitting foreign students, and medical institutions treating foreign patients.
- Offences: It penalises foreigners entering without valid passport or other travel documents with imprisonment of up to five years, fine up to five lakh rupees, or both.
- Power of Arrest: It empowers police officers not below the rank of a Head Constable to arrest without warrant.
- Controlling Places frequented by Foreigners: Civil authority may direct closure of such premises, or refuse admission to such premises to all foreigners.
