In March 2025, the Indian Parliament passed the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025. Which of the following Acts was specifically repealed by this legislation?

The correct answer is The Foreigners Act, 1946.

Key Points

• The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, was enacted to modernize and consolidate laws governing immigration, foreigners, and their regulation in India.
• The legislation specifically repealed The Foreigners Act, 1946, which had been the primary legal framework governing the entry, stay, and deportation of foreigners in India for decades.
• The Foreigners Act, 1946, was considered outdated and inadequate to address the complexities of contemporary immigration and border security challenges.
• The new bill aims to establish a more comprehensive and technology-driven approach to managing immigration and foreigner-related matters.
• The bill introduces provisions for e-governance, better monitoring of foreign nationals, and streamlined deportation processes.

Additional Information

• The Foreigners Act, 1946:
  • It was enacted by the British Government to regulate the entry, presence, and departure of foreigners in India.
  • The Act empowered the government to declare any foreign national as an illegal immigrant and deport them.
  • The Act also provided for powers to arrest, detain, or restrict the movement of foreigners under certain circumstances.
• Immigration Challenges in India:
  • India faces significant immigration challenges, including illegal migration across porous borders with neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Myanmar.
  • The lack of a modern and unified immigration framework has hindered efficient regulation and monitoring of foreign nationals.
• Key Features of the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025:
  • Introduces a centralized database for monitoring the entry and exit of foreign nationals.
  • Enhances penalties for violation of immigration laws.
  • Establishes dedicated immigration courts to expedite the resolution of disputes and deportation cases.
• Related Legislation:
  • The Emigration Act, 1983, governs the emigration of Indian nationals for overseas employment and remains unaffected by the new bill.
  • The Citizenship Act, 1955, deals with the acquisition and termination of Indian citizenship and is also separate from the Immigration and Foreigners Bill.