Forged Passport can take you to 7year Jail, read why

New Delhi – Under a proposed new immigration bill, anyone caught using a forged passport or visa to enter, stay, or exit India could face severe penalties, including a prison sentence of up to seven years and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh, should the legislation be approved by Parliament.

The bill, introduced by the Union Home Ministry, aims to tighten immigration controls and prevent the misuse of travel documents. If passed, it will impose stricter regulations on foreign visitors and entities in India. The bill specifies that individuals who knowingly use or supply forged or fraudulently obtained passports, travel documents, or visas will be punished with a minimum of two years’ imprisonment, which could extend to seven years. Additionally, offenders will face fines ranging from a minimum of Rs 1 lakh to a maximum of Rs 10 lakh.

A significant provision of the bill includes a requirement for various institutions such as hotels, universities, educational institutions, hospitals, and nursing homes to report information about foreign nationals staying with them. This mandatory reporting is designed to assist authorities in tracking the movement and stay of foreign nationals, helping to identify those who overstay their visas or engage in illegal activities.

In addition, the bill requires international airlines, ships, and other modes of transportation to submit detailed information about their passengers and crew members. This includes providing advance passenger and crew manifests at Indian ports or entry points, ensuring that authorities have access to critical data before these individuals arrive in the country. This measure is intended to improve security, streamline immigration processes, and prevent fraudulent activities.

The introduction of the bill in the Lok Sabha on March 11 marks a significant step towards tightening India’s immigration and border control systems. It is also seen as an effort to enhance the country’s security framework, particularly by addressing the growing concerns over illegal immigration, human trafficking, and the use of counterfeit travel documents.

With the bill, the government seeks to ensure stricter accountability from institutions and carriers involved in the movement of foreign nationals to and from India. If passed, it will represent a major shift in the way India handles immigration, placing a greater burden on various stakeholders to assist in monitoring and regulating the flow of foreign visitors.

PTI.