India Tightens Immigration Laws: New Rules for Foreign Nationals

India has passed a new immigration law that imposes stricter penalties for visa violations, including prison sentences for foreign nationals. The law introduces mandatory registration for long-term residents and expands enforcement powers, becoming part of a broader national security reform, India Today reports.

What Does the New Law Say?

According to India Briefing:

Entering without valid documents: up to 5 years in prison + ₹500,000 fine ($5,776)

Using fake documents: 2–7 years in prison, fines from ₹100,000 to ₹1,000,000 ($1,155–$11,553)

Overstaying a visa: up to 3 years in prison and ₹300,000 fine (~$3,500)

Transporting undocumented foreigners: up to ₹500,000 fine and vehicle seizure

Previously, penalties were milder — overstaying by up to 90 days meant a fine of ~$300. Jail terms were rare and only applied in aggravated cases.

Mandatory Registration & Digital Oversight

Foreigners staying over 180 days in India are now required to register with the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office). As Business Standard reports:

Hotels, universities, hospitals, and other institutions must notify authorities of foreign guests.

Information will be stored in the National Foreigners Register (NFR).

A new Bureau of Immigration will manage visa issuance, foreigner registration, and deportation processes.

New Visa Categories to Attract Talent

While the law is strict on violations, it also introduces new visa types aimed at attracting legitimate migrants:

Startup Visa

Skilled Talent Visa

Investor Visa

Digital Nomad Visa

These are designed to boost legal migration and stimulate economic growth, according to India Briefing. Specific eligibility criteria for these visas are yet to be announced.

Centralized System to Replace Four Older Laws

The bill replaces four outdated immigration acts and consolidates all entry/residency rules into a single system. As News18 notes:

All foreign nationals will be tracked via a centralized database

Digital tools will streamline migration monitoring

The goal is to enhance national security and ease legitimate travel

Real Enforcement Begins

Authorities have already begun making arrests. As reported by TASS, in Goa, police detained a 75-year-old Russian woman and her son for overstaying their visas. They may face prison time under the new law.

The Russian Embassy in India confirmed a rise in visa-related detentions of Russian citizens and advised travelers to understand and follow local laws.

Official Commentary

India’s Home Minister Amit Shah defended the law in Parliament, stating:

“India welcomes foreigners who enter legally and contribute to society, but it won’t tolerate those who violate rules or pose a security threat.”
“India is not a dharamshala (open house),” he added.