New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has notified amendments to the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. The new law tightens registration requirements for foreign nationals staying in India for extended periods.
Under the revised rules, foreigners required to register with authorities must complete the process before the expiry of 180 days from their arrival in India. Earlier, registration could be carried out within 14 days after the completion of the 180-day period. The amended provisions also make delayed registration more restrictive, stating that registrations beyond the prescribed timeline will be permitted only in emergency situations.
The changes were introduced through the Immigration and Foreigners (Amendment) Act, 2025, which came into force immediately upon their publication in the official Gazette on Monday.
In addition, the notification clarifies rules concerning children and citizenship. Registration requirements will not apply where either parent is an Indian citizen or seeks to retain the child’s Indian citizenship under the Citizenship Act, 1955. If a child later acquires foreign citizenship while residing in India, the parents must inform the registration officer within 30 days.
The government has also modified certain reporting requirements, setting a uniform 24-hour compliance timeline in specified cases.
Another key change is the introduction of an online appeals process. Persons aggrieved by directions issued by civil authorities may file an appeal before the Bureau of Immigration commissioner through a designated portal within 30 days. The commissioner is expected to hear the matter and dispose of the appeal through a reasoned order, ordinarily within 60 days.
The amendments are intended to strengthen immigration compliance, improve administrative efficiency and streamline procedures related to registration and appeals.