Passage of the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025

The Lok Sabha passed the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, emphasizing India's openness to individuals visiting for business, education, and investment, while taking strict measures against those posing security risks.

Key Points of the Bill

• The Bill was passed via a voice vote despite opposition calls for a joint parliamentary committee review.
• Opposition concerns focused on the Bill granting "arbitrary powers" to immigration authorities.
• Home Minister highlighted the Bill's importance for national security and economic growth.
• The Bill aims to provide comprehensive information on foreigners visiting India and their purposes of stay.

Importance and Impact

• The Bill is seen as enhancing national security and promoting India's global educational standing.
• It supports India's vision to become the most developed nation by 2047.
• Improves India's capacity for tracking foreign visitors, thus aiding in economic sectors like manufacturing and trade.

Opposition Concerns

• Opposition MPs were concerned about the "arbitrary powers" given to immigration officers.
• Opposition MP criticized the lack of appeal or recourse against immigration officer decisions, which he argued are made absolute by the Bill.