Rajya Sabha passed the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, on Wednesday, after its approval in Lok Sabha last week. The Bill aims to regulate the entry, stay, and immigration of foreigners in India. While the Opposition, including Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi, argued that the Bill treats all foreigners as “potential criminals” and demanded a review by a Parliamentary panel, Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai defended it.
He said the new law replaces outdated immigration rules from before independence and was drafted after three years of study. He also assured that foreigners coming for education, tourism, or research are welcome in India.
Union MoS for Home Nityanand Rai assured that India will welcome foreigners visiting for education, tourism, research, and development work under the new Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025. He stated that experts and those with good intentions would not face any restrictions, but those coming to conspire against India would not be allowed.
Rai stated the need for stricter records, saying that earlier, authorities had no proper tracking system for foreigners in the country. He also accused the Congress and the TMC of aiding infiltration in the past, alleging that the West Bengal government was obstructing border fencing efforts. His remarks led to a walkout by Opposition members.
Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi criticized the Bill as “unconstitutional,” arguing that it portrays all foreigners as potential criminals and makes India seem unwelcoming. BJP MP Lahar Singh Siroya defended the Bill, saying it would help curb illegal infiltration and prevent the misuse of fake identity documents.
Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi criticized the proposed Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, saying it grants excessive powers to authorities, effectively turning a constable into a “super commissioner” and enabling harassment. He argued that the Bill wrongly assumes that foreigners have no constitutional rights in India.
The legislation allows the central government to deny entry or deport any foreigner citing reasons like national security, sovereignty, foreign relations, and public health. Singhvi claimed this could be misused to block or expel individuals under vague pretexts.
Calling the Bill a tool for government control, he alleged it promotes mass surveillance and fear among foreigners in India. NCP-SP MP Fauzia Khan also raised concerns, warning that the law could be used to cancel visas of foreign journalists, academics, and professionals who are critical of the government. She questioned whether the Bill seeks to protect the nation or merely silence dissent against the ruling regime.
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