The Indian government has officially updated its Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025, through a notification from the Union Home Ministry. These revised regulations introduce significant changes to registration timelines and stay conditions for foreign nationals in India, aiming to streamline administrative processes and tighten oversight.
Revised Registration for Short-Term Visas
Under the new rules, foreigners arriving in India on a visa valid for 180 days or less are now required to register themselves at any point before the expiry of this 180-day period, should they intend to extend their stay beyond the initial visa duration. This marks a departure from the previous guideline, which permitted registration within fourteen days after the 180-day period had elapsed from their arrival.
Conditions for Longer Stays on Extended Visas
For foreign nationals holding visas valid for more than 180 days, the updated regulations stipulate that each individual stay in India must not exceed 180 days. If a foreigner wishes to remain in the country beyond this 180-day limit on any single occasion, or if their cumulative stay within a calendar year exceeds this period, they must register before the 180-day mark. Such extensions or registrations will now only be granted under specific, emergent circumstances, emphasizing a stricter approach to prolonged stays.
Changes for Children Born to Foreign Parents
The new rules also bring relief and clarity regarding children born in India to foreign parents. Previously, parents were obligated to electronically notify the registration officer within 30 days of the child's birth to access visa services. The revised notification clarifies that this specific requirement does not apply if one or both parents are Indian citizens and intend for the child to retain Indian citizenship.
However, if a child born in India later acquires foreign citizenship while still within the country, either parent must inform the registration officer of this change within thirty days.
Reporting Requirements for Institutions
Additionally, the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025, include revisions to the reporting requirements and administrative procedures for various institutions. Hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical facilities that provide medical care or lodging to foreign nationals now face updated guidelines for their reporting obligations to the authorities.