Union Home Minister Amit Shah stressed on Thursday that India is still willing to welcome visitors for tourism, education, healthcare, and business but made it clear that those who are a threat to national security will be dealt with firmly. His statement was made during the debate in the Lok Sabha on the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, which was later approved by the Lower House.
Shah made it clear that only people with dangerous intent would be banned by the government of Narendra Modi, adding that India is not a "dharamshala" (home for refugees).
"Those who pose danger to the safety of our country will not be given entry. India is not a dharamshala. Yet, people working for the nation's growth are always invited," he added.
The Home Minister clarified that the new bill was meant to boost security, assist with economic progress, and promote development in the education and healthcare industries. He further pointed out that the bill would allow the authorities to keep a record of all foreigners entering India in real-time.
While speaking on issues regarding illegal migration from Myanmar and Bangladesh, Shah reminded that more and more people were finding shelter in India for selfish motives, thus jeopardizing national security. He issued a threat of severe action against infiltrators if they tried to foment unrest in the country.
He also asserted that the bill would be important in enhancing India's security system and helping the nation achieve its vision of being a developed country by 2047. "I assure the people of India that we will have complete data on every foreign national coming into our country," he said.
"I heartily welcome tourists, businesspersons, medical tourists, students, or researchers visiting India. But, we will monitor those who seek to harm and act firmly against them," he added.
Amit Shah Blasts Trinamool on Border Infiltration
Blaming the Trinamool Congress (TMC)-ruled government of West Bengal, Shah alleged that the state government had not been able to stop illegal infiltrations. He said 450 km of fencing on the India-Bangladesh border was incomplete as the state government had not provided land for the project.
"Whenever fencing work is initiated, workers of the ruling party indulge in hooliganism and religious sloganeering. The infiltrators are being sheltered by the West Bengal government, and that is why 450 km of border is not fenced," he accused.
"Of the 2,200 km-long border, only 450 km needs to be fenced, but the state government is hindering the process," he said. He also added that even after 11 official letters and seven rounds of talks with the state administration, the matter is still pending.
"Illegal immigration from this area is still on, and the state government is assisting infiltrators to get Aadhaar cards, through which they are spreading all over the country," he alleged.
"The maximum number of fake Aadhaar cards was detected in South 24 Parganas. But have no fear, we will do the government in Bengal next year, and the rest of the border will be protected," he claimed.
Key Provisions of the Immigration Bill
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, brings in strong provisions for persons possessing forged passports or visas for entry, stay, or departure from India illegally. These acts may invite a seven-year jail term and ₹10-lakh fine.
The new law also makes it compulsory for hotels, universities, schools, hospitals, and nursing homes to report foreign guests to the authorities, to ensure easier monitoring of those over-staying visas.
The bill also mentions that any foreigner who comes into India without a valid passport, visa, or travel document contrary to the provisions of the law will be imprisoned for a maximum period of five years, be fined up to ₹5 lakh, or both.
Matters involving foreigners and immigration are presently covered by four distinct legislations: the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920; the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939; the Foreigners Act, 1946; and the Immigration (Carriers' Liability) Act, 2000. The new bill attempts to consolidate and replace these laws.
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