India tightens foreigner registration rules

India has revised its immigration framework with important changes affecting foreign visitors, mixed-nationality families, and healthcare institutions.

The amendments to the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025, aim to streamline registration procedures while introducing clearer compliance requirements.

A major change relates to foreign nationals staying in India on visas linked to an 180-day limit. Earlier, certain foreigners were permitted to register within 14 days after completing 180 days in the country.

Under the revised rules, they must now complete registration before the 180-day period expires if they intend to extend their stay. This change encourages advance compliance and reduces last-minute applications.

The amended provisions also apply to foreigners holding visas valid for more than 180 days but carrying a condition that each stay must not exceed 180 days. Such individuals must register before the end of the permitted stay if they wish to remain in India beyond that period.

Additionally, authorities have clarified that extensions and related permissions will be granted only under emergent circumstances.

The government has also introduced relief for certain mixed-nationality families.

Previously, when a child was born in India to foreign parents, the parents had to inform the registration officer electronically within 30 days of the birth to access services such as visa issuance or exit permissions.

Under the new rules, this requirement no longer applies when one parent is an Indian citizen, and the family intends to retain Indian citizenship for the child. The exemption is expected to reduce procedural burdens for such families.

However, a fresh reporting obligation has been added. If the child later acquires citizenship of another country while residing in India, either parent must notify the registration officer within 30 days of the change in citizenship status. This provision ensures that official records remain updated.

The amendments also revise reporting and administrative responsibilities for hospitals, nursing homes, and medical institutions that provide accommodation or lodging facilities.

These changes are intended to improve record-keeping and strengthen compliance mechanisms.

The revised rules tighten monitoring of long-term foreign stays while offering greater flexibility to families where one parent is an Indian citizen.

At the same time, they reinforce the government’s focus on timely reporting and accurate immigration records.

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