New Delhi: The Centre has amended immigration regulations governing foreign nationals staying in India, introducing stricter timelines for registration and updating provisions related to citizenship and accommodation reporting.
Under the revised provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025, foreign nationals intending to remain in India beyond 180 days must now complete their registration before the expiry of the 180-day period. The change marks a significant departure from the earlier system, which allowed registration within 14 days after crossing the 180-day threshold.
The updated rules apply to foreigners who enter India on visas valid for 180 days or less and subsequently plan to extend their stay. They also cover individuals holding visas with a validity period exceeding 180 days but containing conditions that restrict each individual stay to a maximum of 180 days.
According to the revised framework, registration after the permitted period will only be considered in exceptional or emergency situations. The move is aimed at ensuring greater compliance with immigration regulations and streamlining monitoring procedures for long-term foreign visitors.
The amendments also introduce important changes concerning children born in India to parents where one or both are foreign nationals. Previously, parents were required to notify registration authorities electronically within 30 days of the child’s birth to access visa-related services, including obtaining visas or exit permits.
Under the new provisions, this requirement will no longer apply if either parent is an Indian citizen and chooses to retain Indian citizenship for the child. However, if the child later acquires the citizenship of another country while residing in India, either parent must inform the relevant registration officer within 30 days of the change in citizenship status.
In addition, the government has revised administrative and reporting obligations for hospitals, nursing homes and other medical institutions that provide accommodation or lodging facilities. These changes are intended to strengthen record-keeping and improve compliance with immigration-related requirements.
The amendments form part of the government’s broader efforts to modernise immigration procedures, enhance monitoring mechanisms and simplify administrative processes while ensuring better regulation of foreign nationals residing in India.
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