Forging a passport or visa in India can now lead to a rigorous punishment of up to seven years in jail.
This new law, governing matters related to foreigners and immigration, came into effect from Monday.
According to the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, anyone who knowingly uses a fake or fraudulently obtained passport, visa, or other travel document to enter, stay, or leave India will face a minimum of two years in prison, which can extend up to seven years.
Additionally, offenders may have to pay a fine ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh. Those who provide fake passports or visas will also be punished.
The bill was approved by Parliament during the budget session and signed by President Draupadi Murmu on April 4. The Home Ministry has issued a notification to implement the law.
Government Powers and Monitoring
This law gives the central government the authority to regulate places frequented by foreigners.
The government can ask owners of such places to close them, allow use under specific conditions, or restrict entry for certain categories of foreigners.
Any foreigner entering India without a valid travel document can face up to five years of imprisonment, a fine of up to ₹5 lakh, or both.
Obligations for Hotels, Hospitals, and Other Institutions
Under the law, it is now mandatory for hotels, universities, educational institutions, hospitals, and nursing homes to provide information about foreigners.
This ensures that foreigners who stay beyond the allowed period can be monitored.
Moreover, all international airlines and ships must provide advance information to authorities about foreign passengers and crew members.
