In a significant move to strengthen national security, the Centre on September 2, announced new provisions under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, targeting foreigners linked to terrorism, espionage, and other serious crimes. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), such individuals will either be denied entry into India or deported if already residing in the country.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while reviewing the provisions, emphasised that the government’s priority is to safeguard India against foreign elements engaging in anti-national or unlawful activities.
One of the biggest reforms under the new framework is mandatory biometric registration. Every foreigner applying for a visa or seeking registration as an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) must provide their biometric details before approval.
Officials said this step will help identify and prevent entry of individuals who may use forged documents or hide criminal backgrounds.
The rules mandate every state and Union Territory to establish holding centres or detention camps. These facilities will restrict the movement of foreigners awaiting deportation, especially those caught entering India illegally.
Illegal immigrants detained within the country will remain confined in such centres until their deportation is processed. Border guarding forces and the Coast Guard have also been instructed to capture biometric and demographic details of those intercepted before sending them back.
According to the MHA order, foreigners may be denied entry or deported if they are convicted of or suspected to be involved in:
- Anti-national activities
- Terrorism and espionage
- Rape, murder, child trafficking, narcotics trade
- Cybercrime and money laundering linked to terrorism
- Fake currency and forged documents
- Membership in banned organisations
The government has made it clear that no leniency will be shown in such cases, and all convicted or suspected individuals will be dealt with firmly.
The new rules also place strict controls on foreigners working in sensitive sectors. Individuals with employment visas cannot take up work in power, water, or petroleum sectors without explicit permission from civil authorities.
Additionally, foreigners must now obtain written approval from the central government before producing films, TV shows, or web content intended for public release in India. Similarly, mountaineering expeditions require route clearance, special permission, and a liaison officer.
Foreigners are required to secure permits before entering protected or restricted areas. However, those from Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan will be barred entirely from visiting these regions.
The restricted zones include:
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Manipur
- Nagaland
- Parts of Jammu and Kashmir
- Several border-sensitive areas
The Bureau of Immigration will maintain a constantly updated list of:
Foreigners barred from entering India
Individuals prohibited from leaving India due to health issues, court orders, diplomatic sensitivities, or security risks
This move ensures tighter surveillance and coordinated enforcement across agencies.
The government maintains that these measures are necessary in light of rising global security challenges. With stricter visa checks, biometric databases, and legal provisions for deportation, India aims to plug loopholes exploited by foreign nationals with malicious intent.
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