Centre notifies changes to Immigration and Foreigners Rules 2025

The Central Government has notified amendments to the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025, introducing stricter registration requirements for foreign nationals staying in India for extended periods.

Under the revised rules, foreigners planning to remain in India for more than 180 days must complete their registration before the expiry of the 180-day period, rather than waiting until the deadline approaches.

The changes are aimed at strengthening monitoring and record-keeping of foreign nationals while improving the government's ability to respond to security and administrative requirements.

The revised framework is part of the broader Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, which consolidates several older immigration laws into a single system governing the entry, stay, movement, and exit of foreigners in India.

Officials say the updated rules will help create a more streamlined and technology-driven immigration process.

The government has emphasized that the reforms are intended to enhance national security, improve compliance, and maintain accurate records of foreign visitors.

The new provisions also align with the government's efforts to modernize immigration management through digital tracking and registration systems.

The notification is expected to impact foreign students, professionals, researchers, and long-term visitors residing in India, who will now need to ensure timely registration under the updated guidelines.