Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said that the government is prepared to welcome visitors to India for tourism, education, healthcare, and business purposes. However, he emphasised that those posing a threat to national security would be dealt with firmly.
Shah’s remarks came during a debate in the Lok Sabha on the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, which was subsequently passed by the Lower House.
Shah clarified that the Narendra Modi-led government would prevent the entry of individuals with malicious intentions, stressing that India is not a “dharamshala” (shelter home). He maintained that those contributing to the nation’s development would always be welcome.
The Union Home Minister asserted that the bill would enhance national security, promote economic growth, and support the health and education sectors. He also underlined that the legislation would facilitate the collection of up-to-date information on every foreign visitor to India.
Addressing the issue of illegal immigration, Shah highlighted the infiltration of Rohingyas from Myanmar and Bangladeshis, claiming that many individuals were entering India for personal gain, posing a security risk. He warned of strict measures against any infiltrators causing unrest in the country.
Shah expressed confidence that the bill would bolster security and contribute to India’s ambition to become the most developed nation by 2047. He reiterated the government’s commitment to monitoring all foreigners entering the country and taking decisive action against those deemed a threat.
During the debate, Shah criticised the Trinamool Congress-led West Bengal government for failing to address illegal infiltration. He accused the state government of obstructing the completion of 450 km of fencing along the India-Bangladesh border by refusing to provide the necessary land.
He alleged that ruling party workers in the state engaged in hooliganism and religious sloganeering to prevent fencing activities.
Despite 11 letters from the Central government and seven rounds of talks with state officials, the fencing work remains incomplete. Shah further claimed that the West Bengal government facilitated the issuance of Aadhaar cards to infiltrators, enabling them to spread across the country.
The Home Minister said that the highest number of illegal Aadhaar cards was detected in South 24 Parganas. He expressed confidence that the Central government would proceed with the fencing work if the Bharatiya Janata Party comes to power in West Bengal next year.
Under the provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, individuals using forged passports or visas to enter, stay in, or exit India could face imprisonment of up to seven years and fines up to Rs 10 lakh.
The bill also mandates hotels, universities, hospitals, and nursing homes to report information about foreigners, ensuring effective monitoring of overstaying visitors.
Additionally, any foreigner entering India without a valid passport or visa would be liable for imprisonment of up to five years, fines up to Rs 5 lakh, or both. The bill proposes to consolidate and replace the existing laws governing immigration, including the Passport (Entry into India) Act of 1920, the Registration of Foreigners Act of 1939, the Foreigners Act of 1946, and the Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act of 2000.
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