The Central Government has updated the rules for foreign nationals staying in India. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued the Immigration
and Foreigners (Amendment) Rules, 2026, bringing important changes to registration and appeal procedures.
Under the new rules, foreign nationals can now complete their registration at any time before their 180-day stay in India ends. They will also be able to file appeals online, making the process more convenient.
Earlier, foreign nationals were required to register within 14 days after completing 180 days in India. The government has clarified that registration after the deadline will now be allowed only in special cases.
Online Appeal System Introduced for the First Time
One of the biggest changes is the introduction of an online appeal system.
Anyone affected by an immigration-related order can now file an appeal online with the Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration.
The appeal must be submitted within 30 days of receiving the order. After hearing all concerned parties, the Commissioner will make a decision. The government has said that efforts should be made to resolve such cases within 60 days.
New Rules for Children and Citizenship
The government has also changed some rules related to the citizenship status of children.
If one parent is an Indian citizen and wants the child to retain Indian citizenship, the foreign citizen registration rules will not apply to that child.
In cases where a child living in India acquires the citizenship of another country, parents must inform the registration officer within 30 days. In certain situations, the information must be provided within 24 hours.
These changes have been made under Section 30 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, through the newly issued Immigration and Foreigners (Amendment) Rules, 2026.
Immigration and Foreigners Act Came Into Force in 2025
The Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, was passed by Parliament in March 2025.
The law combined provisions from several older laws, including the Passport Act, 1920, the Foreigners Registration Act, 1939, the Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Immigration Act, 2000.
The law also includes strict penalties for violations. Anyone who illegally helps a foreign national enter India, provides shelter, or facilitates illegal entry can face up to three years in prison, a fine ranging from ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh, or both.
Foreign nationals entering India must have a valid passport and visa.
Also Read: OCI Applications Now Fully Online
The Centre has also amended citizenship-related rules through the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2026.
Under the new rules, applications for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status must now be submitted completely online.
The government has also introduced an e-OCI document alongside the physical OCI card, making the process more digital and user-friendly.
The government has emphasized that OCI status is a privilege and not a right. The new system is aimed at simplifying the application process while improving digital access for applicants.
