Rajya Sabha passes immigration bill amid opposition walkout, sparking concerns over broad government powers | CliqExplainer

The Rajya Sabha passed the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, amid a walkout by Congress and Trinamool Congress (TMC) members. The bill, which had previously cleared the Lok Sabha, aims to regulate the entry, stay, and exit of foreigners in India. Opposition parties have raised significant concerns about the bill’s provisions, arguing that it grants excessive powers to authorities and could lead to potential harassment of foreign nationals.

Congress Member of Parliament Abhishek Manu Singhvi criticized the legislation, asserting that it treats all foreigners as “potential criminals” and subjects them to undue suspicion. He described the bill as part of a broader strategy by the government to instill fear through extensive surveillance mechanisms targeting foreigners. Singhvi highlighted that the bill elevates the authority of lower-level officials, granting them substantial discretionary powers, which he believes could lead to misuse and harassment.

One of the contentious aspects of the bill is the provision that allows immigration officers’ decisions to be final and binding, limiting avenues for appeal or review. Singhvi argued that this clause undermines the rights of individuals and lacks necessary checks and balances. He also pointed out that the bill empowers the central government to refuse entry or deport any foreigner on broad grounds such as national security, sovereignty, integrity of India, foreign relations, public health, and other unspecified reasons. This, he contended, provides the government with sweeping powers without clear definitions or limitations.

The opposition’s request for amendments to address these concerns was rejected, leading to the walkout by Congress and TMC members. Despite the protest, the bill was passed by a voice vote in the Upper House. Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to strengthen national security and ensure a robust framework for managing the entry and stay of foreigners in the country. They contend that the legislation provides the government with the necessary tools to address challenges related to immigration and foreign nationals effectively.

Critics, however, fear that the broad and vague provisions could be misused, leading to arbitrary actions against foreigners and potential diplomatic repercussions. They emphasize the need for clear guidelines, transparency, and accountability to prevent any abuse of power and to uphold the principles of justice and fairness.

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