Union Home Minister of State Nityanand Rai on Wednesday introduced The Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025 in Lok Sabha.
He presented the bill on behalf of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, which aims to modernize and consolidate India’s immigration laws.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Union MoS Nityanand Rai said, “On behalf of Amit Shah, I propose that the requirement of passport or travel document be settled in respect of persons entering and exiting India, certain powers be granted to the Central Government and to regulate matters related to foreigners including requirement of visa and registration and permission be given to establish a bill dealing with matters connected or incidental to them.”
The opposite however, calling it a “violation” of constitutional provisions and demanding the Bill to be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee.
Congress MP Manish Tewari from Chandigarh opposed the bill, claiming that it violates the “multiple fundamental rights” under the Constitution of India.
“I rise to oppose the Immigration and Foreigners Bill under Rule 72(2) of the Lok Sabha rules of business. This bill is unconstitutional on multiple counts and infringes upon fundamental rights,” Tewari said in the house.
TMC MP Sougata Roy also voiced his opposition, stating that existing laws already govern the entry and exit of foreigners. “There are already four laws in place for this purpose. This bill is unnecessary,” he said.
The Bill seeks to streamline various services related to immigration and foreigners, including their entry, exit and stay in the country. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to introduce the new bill, which will grant the Centre certain powers to provide for the requirement of passports or other travel documents in respect of persons entering into and exiting from India.
