00:00In a major move, the Union government has introduced the Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025 in the Lok Sabha,
00:09aiming to overhaul India's immigration laws.
00:13But the opposition is raising strong objections, calling it a violation of constitutional provisions.
00:21So what does this new bill propose? And why is it sparking controversy?
00:26Let's break it down.
00:30Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025
00:40The Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025 is set to replace several colonial era laws,
00:47including the Foreigners Act 1946, the Passport Entry into India Act 1920,
00:54the Registration of Foreigners Act 1939 and the Immigration Carriers Liability Act 2000,
01:02the objective to enhance national security, streamline immigration procedures
01:08and introduce stricter penalties for violations by foreigners.
01:13Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai defended the bill saying,
01:18The Central Government has full authority to legislate on this matter under the Union list.
01:24He stressed that while India welcomes tourists, maintaining peace and sovereignty remains the priority.
01:48The Central Government has full authority to legislate on this matter under the Union list.
01:58He stressed that while India welcomes tourists, maintaining peace and sovereignty remains the priority.
02:08He stressed that while India welcomes tourists, maintaining peace and sovereignty remains the priority.
02:20However, the opposition led by the Congress and Trinamool Congress has protested,
02:26demanding the bill to be sent to the Joint Parliamentary Committee for further study.
02:31It violates the fundamental canons of fundamental rights going across the spectrum
02:38and that is why I listed multiple counts on which this bill falls foul of the entire paradigm of fundamental rights,
02:48including not even having the right to appeal,
02:52including very, very rigorous and restrictive provisions with regard to even Article 14, 19, 21,
03:05the right to be deprived of your liberty in accordance with law.
03:10So, there are serious problems with this bill and that is why I had said,
03:14either the government should withdraw this bill, which they did,
03:17and even now it should be referred to a joint parliament.
03:20Now, let's take a look at the key highlights of this bill.
03:24Any foreigner posing a threat to national security can be denied entry or deported.
03:31Mandatory registration for all foreign nationals upon arrival.
03:36Restricted movement and access to protected areas like the Northeast,
03:41Andaman and Nicobar Islands and parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
03:45Institutions such as educational establishments, hospitals and nursing homes
03:51will be required to report foreign nationals to immigration authorities.
03:56Currently, under existing laws, foreigners on long-term visas,
04:00including students, medical patients, researchers and employees,
04:05must register with the Foreigner's Regional Registration Office or FRRO within 14 days of arrival.
04:13However, Pakistani nationals must register within 24 hours.
04:18While the government insists that the bill is essential for national security
04:23and better immigration management, the opposition argues
04:28that some provisions could be too restrictive and may violate constitutional principles.
04:35So, will this bill be passed smoothly or will it face further roadblocks?
04:41The debate is heating up in Parliament and we'll keep bringing you the latest updates.
04:47Keep watching One India News.
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