Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on Thursday, categorically ruled out India signing the 1951 United Nations Convention on Refugees, asserting that the country is not a “dharamshala” (rest house) where anyone can enter and settle at will. His remarks came during a discussion on the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha, which was subsequently passed by the lower house.

Shah emphasized that national security is paramount and that it is essential to maintain a structured record of who enters the country, for how long, and for what purpose. He further clarified that while India welcomes individuals contributing to its economic growth, those attempting to spread unrest will face strict action.

Strengthening Immigration Laws

The new immigration bill aims to create a Transparent, Tech-driven, Time-bound, and Trustworthy framework. The Home Minister highlighted that the legislation had been drafted after three years of intensive deliberation to make India’s immigration system simplified, streamlined, secure, and systematic.

A major aspect of the new law is the legal framework for the “Immigration, Visa, and Foreigners Registration and Tracking” (IVFRT) system, which will monitor illegal immigrants and those overstaying their visas. Additionally, the District Police Module (DPM), known as the Foreigners Identification Portal, has been launched in over 700 districts to enhance surveillance and tracking capabilities.

Efficient Immigration Processing

To improve efficiency at immigration checkpoints, technological advancements have been incorporated to reduce processing times. Previously, an immigration check took an average of 4-5 minutes per person, but with the new system, the duration has been reduced to just 1-2 minutes. Furthermore, India has introduced a 360-degree screening mechanism that evaluates every foreigner across 24 parameters before granting entry into the country.

While asserting a firm stance on illegal immigration, Shah underscored that the Modi governments immigration policy is framed with a balance of compassion, sensitivity, and awareness of national security threats. He also pointed out that despite the presence of Tamil refugees in India, DMK MPs have never raised concerns regarding their status, highlighting the selective approach of opposition parties on the refugee issue.

Bolstering Indias Global Standing

Shah stated that since independence, Indias soft power has made a significant impact globally, and this bill will further enhance its influence. With a comprehensive immigration policy, India aims to maintain its sovereignty, protect national security, and provide a structured, modern system for foreign arrivals.

The passage of the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, marks a significant milestone in Indias approach to managing foreign nationals, ensuring that those who contribute positively are welcomed while safeguarding against potential threats.