India has taken a major step in 2025 by introducing the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, a move that puts the country in line with Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, and Russia in adopting strict visa policies. This sweeping reform comes as India faces growing security concerns and seeks to modernize its visa regime and border controls.
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, was introduced in Parliament on March 11, 2025. It is the most significant change to India’s immigration laws in decades, aiming to address illegal migration, cross-border terrorism, and the need for better digital monitoring. The bill is currently under active consideration and is expected to become law by the end of 2025. Some of its key features are already being tested at major airports and seaports.
What’s Changing Under the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025?
The new bill brings several important changes to how India manages its borders and foreign visitors:
- Centralized Digital Oversight: India will launch an Integrated Immigration Management System (IIMS), which uses biometrics (like fingerprints and facial scans) and artificial intelligence to track foreign nationals in real time.
- National Immigration Authority (NIA): A new top-level agency will be created to handle all immigration matters, reporting directly to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- New Visa Categories: The bill introduces several new types of visas, including Business Visa Plus, Startup Visa, Skilled Talent Visa, Investor Visa, Transit Visa, and Digital Nomad Visa. Each comes with stricter rules and more paperwork.
- Enhanced Security Protocols: The reforms are designed to stop illegal migration and terrorism, making India’s visa regime similar to those in Saudi Arabia and Russia.
Current Status and How the Changes Affect Travelers
As of July 24, 2025, the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, is still being debated in Parliament, but many of its rules are already being used at key entry points. E-visa and regular visa services continue, but applicants now face more background checks and must provide biometric data for most visa types.
Travelers who want to visit sensitive areas like Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, or the Andaman & Nicobar Islands still need special permits. Enforcement of these rules has become much stricter in 2025.
For Afghan nationals, India has replaced the old emergency e-visa with a new system that offers six different types of electronic visas. This change reflects India’s increased security concerns about people coming from Afghanistan.
India’s Place in the Global Visa Landscape
India’s new visa regime is part of a global trend. As of 2025, Indian citizens can travel to 59 countries without a visa or get a visa on arrival, putting the Indian passport at 77th place worldwide. While India is tightening its own entry rules, some countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan have made it easier for Indian travelers to visit.
E-visa services have resumed for travelers from Qatar and for business visitors from China, Hong Kong, and Macau. However, these visas now come with stricter eligibility checks and more monitoring after arrival.
Key Numbers and New Procedures
- Maximum Stay: Most tourist and business visas now allow a maximum stay of 180 days per year. Anyone staying longer must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within 14 days of arrival.
- Biometric and AI Monitoring: All major entry points are being equipped with biometric scanners and AI-based surveillance as part of the IIMS rollout.
- Visa Application Process: Applicants must apply online through the official Indian visa portal or through VFS Global for paper visas.
- Biometric Enrollment: Most applicants must provide biometric data at Visa Application Centers or at the port of entry.
- Document Submission: Applicants need to upload or submit documents like proof of funds, travel plans, and security clearances for certain visa types.
- Registration: Long-term visa holders (over 180 days) must register with the FRRO.
- Monitoring and Enforcement: The IIMS tracks movements of foreign nationals. Overstaying or breaking visa rules can lead to immediate detention, deportation, and being banned from returning.
Who Is Affected by the New Rules?
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, affects several groups:
- Foreign Nationals: They face stricter background checks, must provide more documents, and need to register their biometrics. Some will be tracked in real time while in India.
- Businesses and Investors: The new Business Visa Plus and Startup Visa make it easier for high-value investors and entrepreneurs to enter India, but these visas come with more compliance checks and reporting requirements.
- Afghan Nationals: They face new, separate e-visa categories and extra security checks, reflecting India’s concerns about terrorism and refugee flows from Afghanistan.
- Indian Travelers Abroad: While India is making it harder for foreigners to enter, some countries are making it easier for Indians to visit, creating a mixed picture for global travel.
Expert Opinions and Different Perspectives
Security experts have praised the new bill, saying India needs stronger border controls because of instability in neighboring countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan. They argue that modern digital systems and stricter rules are necessary to keep the country safe.
The business community has mixed feelings. Many welcome the new business and investor visas, which could help attract global talent and money. However, they worry that the extra paperwork and checks could slow down the process and make it harder to bring in skilled workers quickly.
Human rights advocates are concerned that the new digital monitoring and detention powers could lead to abuses, especially for refugees and asylum seekers. They warn that increased surveillance might violate privacy and civil rights.
The travel industry notes that while it’s getting harder for foreigners to visit India, it’s becoming easier for Indians to travel abroad. This could shift tourism patterns and affect the Indian economy.
Background: Why Did India Change Its Visa Regime?
Before 2025, India’s visa system was complicated, with many overlapping categories and rules that were not always enforced the same way. Several security incidents and a rise in illegal migration led to calls for reform.
In 2024 and 2025, regional crises—especially in Afghanistan and Pakistan—pushed India to act quickly. At the same time, countries around the world were moving toward digital border management and stricter entry controls. India’s new visa regime closely follows recent changes in Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Afghanistan, where digital monitoring and tight entry rules have become the norm.
How Does the New System Work? Step-by-Step Guide for Applicants
- Visa Application: Start by applying online through the official Indian visa portal or use VFS Global for paper applications.
- Biometric Enrollment: Most applicants must visit a Visa Application Center or provide biometrics at the port of entry.
- Document Submission: Upload or submit all required documents, such as proof of funds, travel plans, and any special security clearances.
- Registration: If you plan to stay longer than 180 days, register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within 14 days of arrival.
- Monitoring: The IIMS tracks your movements. If you overstay or break the rules, you risk detention, deportation, and being blacklisted from returning.
Special Rules for Sensitive Areas and Certain Nationalities
Some parts of India, like Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, have always required special permits for entry. In 2025, enforcement of these rules has become much stricter. Foreign nationals from countries considered high-risk may face extra checks or even be denied entry.
For Afghan nationals, India has created six new e-visa categories, each with its own rules and security checks. This change is meant to manage risks from cross-border terrorism and large refugee flows.
What Does This Mean for Businesses and Investors?
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, introduces new visa categories aimed at attracting global talent and investment:
- Business Visa Plus: For high-value investors and business leaders, with faster processing but more compliance checks.
- Startup Visa: For entrepreneurs looking to launch new businesses in India, with strict eligibility requirements.
- Skilled Talent Visa: For professionals with specialized skills, but with detailed background checks and reporting rules.
- Investor Visa: For those making significant financial investments in India.
While these new visas could help bring in global talent and money, businesses must be ready for more paperwork and stricter monitoring. They may need to work closely with immigration consultants to stay compliant.
Security, Surveillance, and Civil Liberties
The new visa regime is built around security. The IIMS uses biometrics and artificial intelligence to track foreign nationals in real time. The National Immigration Authority (NIA) will have broad powers to enforce the rules, detain violators, and coordinate with other agencies.
Supporters say these steps are necessary to protect India from terrorism and illegal migration. Critics worry that such surveillance could lead to privacy violations and make life harder for refugees and people fleeing violence.
Comparing India’s Approach to Other Countries
India’s new visa regime is similar to recent changes in Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Afghanistan:
- Saudi Arabia: Introduced biometric border controls and stricter e-visa rules in 2024.
- Russia: Expanded its list of “undesirable organizations” and tightened entry for certain nationalities in 2025.
- Afghanistan: Suspended most visas except for humanitarian cases in 2024–2025.
India’s reforms show a global move toward digital monitoring and strict entry controls, especially in countries facing security threats.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for India’s Visa Regime?
The full rollout of the IIMS and the National Immigration Authority is expected by late 2025 or early 2026. The government may introduce more restrictions for people from high-risk countries if security concerns continue.
At the same time, if the security situation improves, India might make it easier for businesses and skilled workers to enter, hoping to attract more global investment.
Practical Tips for Travelers and Businesses
- Check the Latest Rules: Visa rules can change quickly, sometimes with little warning. Always check the official Indian visa portal before making travel plans.
- Prepare for Biometric Enrollment: Most travelers will need to provide fingerprints and facial scans.
- Have All Documents Ready: Make sure you have proof of funds, travel plans, and any required security clearances.
- Register if Staying Long-Term: If your stay is over 180 days, register with the FRRO within 14 days.
- Follow the Rules: Overstaying or breaking visa conditions can lead to detention, deportation, and being banned from returning to India.
Important Reminders
- No Dual Citizenship: India does not allow dual citizenship. People of Indian origin who hold foreign passports must follow all visa and registration rules.
- Regional Variations: Some Indian states and union territories have extra entry restrictions or permit requirements.
- Frequent Changes: Visa rules and enforcement can change quickly, so always check for updates.
Where to Get Help and More Information
- Indian Visa Portal: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
- VFS Global (for paper visas): https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-visa
- Ministry of Home Affairs, India: https://www.mha.gov.in/
- Dezan Shira & Associates (business immigration support): [email protected]
Conclusion: What the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, Means for India and the World
India’s move to adopt the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, marks a major shift toward stricter, security-driven visa policies. By introducing advanced digital monitoring, a centralized enforcement agency, and new visa categories, India is joining countries like Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, and Russia in tightening its borders.
These changes will have a big impact on travelers, businesses, and foreign nationals hoping to visit or work in India. While the new system promises better security and more streamlined processes for some, it also brings more checks, paperwork, and surveillance. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the reforms reflect a global trend toward tougher immigration controls, especially in countries facing security threats.
For anyone planning to visit, work, or invest in India, it’s more important than ever to stay informed, follow the rules, and be ready for a more complex visa regime. By understanding the new requirements and preparing in advance, travelers and businesses can avoid problems and make the most of the opportunities India still offers.
Learn Today
Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 → A legislative reform in India aiming to strengthen border security and modernize visa regulations with digital oversight.
Integrated Immigration Management System (IIMS) → A digital system using biometrics and AI to track foreign nationals entering and staying within India.
National Immigration Authority (NIA) → New centralized agency overseeing immigration policies and enforcement under India’s Ministry of Home Affairs.
Biometric Enrollment → Process requiring visa applicants to provide fingerprints and facial scans for identity verification and monitoring.
Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) → Government office where long-term foreign visa holders must register upon extended stay in India.
This Article in a Nutshell
India’s 2025 Immigration Bill modernizes visa policies with biometric AI monitoring and new strict visa categories, enhancing security amidst global digital immigration trends.
— By VisaVerge.com
