India tightens foreigner registration rules; Here is all you need to know

New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry has notified changes to the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025, requiring foreign nationals who wish to remain in India beyond their visa validity period to register with authorities before the expiry of their visa.

Under the revised rules, foreigners who enter India on visas valid for 180 days or less and intend to stay beyond the permitted period must complete their registration before the end of the 180-day duration.

The amendment marks a significant change from the earlier provision, which allowed foreign nationals a grace period of 14 days after the expiry of the 180-day visa period to inform authorities and complete the necessary formalities.

Under the new framework, such registration must now be done within the visa validity period itself.

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The move is aimed at strengthening the government's monitoring of foreign nationals residing in India and ensuring better compliance with immigration regulations.

Officials say the revised rules will help authorities maintain accurate records of foreigners in the country, their duration of stay, and their plans regarding departure or extension of residence.

The notification is part of a broader effort by the government to tighten immigration oversight and curb illegal overstays.

Over recent months, the Centre has introduced several changes to citizenship and immigration-related regulations as part of its focus on strengthening border and residency controls.

The government has consistently emphasized the need to identify and track individuals residing in the country without valid authorization.

According to officials, the latest changes are intended to enhance enforcement mechanisms and improve the monitoring of foreign nationals seeking extended stays in India.

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The revised rules have been formally notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs and are expected to be implemented across the country through the relevant immigration and registration authorities.

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