Lok Sabha Passes Immigration Bill 2025, Amit Shah Says ‘India Not a Dharamshala’

The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, aimed at strengthening India’s security and tracking foreigners, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserting that the country is not a “dharamshala” for those posing threats. Shah emphasized that while India welcomes tourists, students, and professionals, strict action will be taken against illegal infiltrators. The bill, which repeals four existing laws, introduces stringent penalties for violations, including up to seven years in jail and fines up to Rs 10 lakh.

During the Lok Sabha debate, Amit Shah clarified the government’s position, stating, “Those who pose a threat to national security will not be allowed to enter the nation. The nation is not a ‘dharamshala’.” He added, “I welcome everyone who wants to visit India as a tourist, for education, for healthcare, for R&D, for business, but those who come as a threat, we will take strong action against them.”

The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, mandates hotels, universities, hospitals, and other institutions to report information about foreigners to track overstays. It imposes harsh penalties, including up to five years in prison or a fine of Rs 5 lakh for entering India without valid documents. The bill also aims to provide up-to-date information on every foreigner visiting India, as Shah assured, “We will have up-to-date information about every foreigner coming to our country.”

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Shah highlighted the issue of illegal infiltration by Rohingyas and Bangladeshis, stating that such activities have increased, making India unsafe. He accused the West Bengal government of obstructing border fencing, saying, “The fencing work of 450 km of border has not been completed because the West Bengal government is showing mercy to the infiltrators.” He alleged that the state was facilitating illegal Aadhaar cards for infiltrators, particularly in South 24 Parganas.

The Home Minister revealed that despite 11 letters and seven rounds of talks, the West Bengal government has not provided land for fencing along 450 km of the 2,200 km India-Bangladesh border. Shah accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of encouraging hooliganism during fencing efforts, but expressed confidence, stating, “We will form the government in Bengal next year, and the remaining area will be fenced.”

With the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, now passed in the Lok Sabha, it will move to the Rajya Sabha for approval. The legislation is expected to enhance India’s immigration framework, focusing on security and economic growth, as Shah envisions it aiding India’s goal to become the most developed nation by 2047. Further discussions on border security and illegal infiltration are likely to continue, especially with West Bengal’s role under scrutiny.