Immigration and Foreigners Bill: A Bird’s-Eye View and In-Depth Analysis

 

Immigration and Foreigners Bill, Foreigners Act, Immigration Law, Immigration Rules

 Synopsis

The  New Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 is being analysed. It will help keep India safe and make sure all visitors follow the rules. People coming from other countries must register when they arrive. Officers will have more power to check if visitors follow the rules. It will also help keep track of visas and make the system better. 

 The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 12, 2025. This new law is meant to make immigration rules stricter and improve the way foreigners enter and leave India.

 Key Rules in the Bill

 Who Can Be Denied Entry?

 Foreigners may not be allowed to enter or stay in India if they are seen as a threat to national security, public health, or foreign relations.

 Immigration officers will have the final say on who can enter or stay in India. Their decisions cannot be challenged.

 Tracking Foreigners - Colleges, hospitals, and nursing homes must report foreign nationals to immigration authorities.

 Strict Punishments

 If someone enters India without valid documents, they can be jailed for up to 5 years or fined Rs.5 lakh.

 If they use fake documents, they can be jailed for 2 to 7 years, with fines between Rs.1 lakh and Rs.10 lakh.

 Overstaying, breaking visa rules, or entering restricted areas can lead to 3 years in jail and a Rs.3 lakh fine.

 What the Bill Changes

This bill will replace old laws like:

• The Foreigners Act, 1946
• The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920
• The Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939
• The Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000

The main goal of the bill is to improve national security and introduce stricter immigration rules.

Other Important Rules

• Registration for Foreigners
• Foreigners must register with authorities when they arrive in India.
• They cannot change their name or move to restricted areas without permission.

Strict Rules for Airlines and Transport Companies

• Airlines bringing foreigners without valid documents will be fined up to Rs.5 lakh.
• If fines are not paid, their transport may be seized.
• If a foreigner is denied entry, the airline must take them back immediately.
• Immigration Officers Get More Power
• They can arrest people without a warrant.
• The central government can control the movement of foreigners.
• No one can leave India if their presence is required by an official agency.

 Existing Immigration Rules

 Long-term Visa Holders Must Register

Foreigners staying in India for more than 180 days on student, medical, research, job, or project visas must register within 14 days of arrival.

Visa and Immigration Control

The Bureau of Immigration (BoI) issues e-visas to eligible countries.

The BoI was created in 1971 under the Home Ministry.

Carriers’ Responsibility 

The Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, of 2000 makes transport companies responsible if passengers violate passport rules.

Citizenship Act, 1955

This law explains how foreigners can become Overseas Citizens of India (OCI).

This bill aims to tighten immigration laws, improve security, and ensure foreigners follow all rules while in India.

New Rules for Foreigners Coming to India

The Indian government is making a new rule about foreigners visiting the country. This rule will decide who can come, how long they can stay, and what they need to do while they are here. It will also say what happens if they break the rules.

What Does the New Rule Say?

The new law, called the Immigration and Foreigners Bill will bring all the old rules about foreigners into one simple law. It will also help keep India safe.

This law will give the government more control ove

• Who gets a visa to come to India
• How long they can stay
• Whether they can study in Indian universities or get medical treatment in Indian hospitals

Which Old Rules Will Be Removed?

Right now, there are four different laws about foreigners in India. These were made a long time ago, even before India got independence. The new law will replace them. These old rules are:

• Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920
• Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939
• Foreigners Act, 1946
• Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000

What Will Change:

• The new law will make things simpler. It has six parts and 35 rules that explain:
• What an immigration officer can do
• What documents are needed to get a visa
• How foreigners need to register in India
• The Bureau of Immigration will have more power to handle visitors and make sure only safe people enter India.

Can Foreigners Be Denied Entry?

Yes, the government will have the right to stop someone from coming if they are seen as a threat to national security. This means if a person is dangerous to the country, they will not be allowed in.

Even last month, an Indian-American politician named Kshama Sawant was not given a visa to visit her sick mother in Bengaluru. She said she had been denied three times, while her husband was given a visa.

Key Rules for Foreigners

Foreigners must always carry a passport or an official document.

Tourists can stay without registering only if they stay less than 180 days.

Foreigners who stay longer or come for work or study must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office.

Why Is This Law Important?

The government says this law will make it easier to manage foreigners coming to India. It will also help in keeping the country safe. The new law will remove confusion by combining all old rules into one clear law.

The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025: Summary

The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 will replace four older laws, including the Passport (Entry into India) Act of 1920 and the Foreigners Act of 1946. The new bill simplifies existing rules while adding modern measures to control illegal immigration and overstaying foreigners.

This law will also ease business operations and reduce unnecessary paperwork. Indian embassies abroad will continue issuing physical or sticker visas, while the Bureau of Immigration (BoI) will handle electronic visas for citizens of 167 countries.

Travelers from Japan, South Korea, and the UAE (who previously held an Indian visa) can also now get visas on arrival at six key airports.

The Immigration Bureau and state or Union Territory governments will oversee the stay, movement, and exit of all foreigners in India. Foreigners with long-term visas exceeding 180 days must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) or Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) within 14 days of arrival. Pakistani citizens must register within 24 hours.

THESE Historical Sites of M.P Added To UNESCO’s Tentative Heritage List: Check Details

Ashokan edict sites, Chausath Yogini temples, Gupta period temples,  Bundela palace fortresses.

Synopsis

Madhya Pradesh takes pride as four historic sites enter UNESCO’s tentative World Heritage list. These include Ashokan edict sites with ancient inscriptions, Chausath Yogini temples known for spiritual significance, Gupta period temples showcasing early Indian architecture, and Bundela palace fortresses blending Rajput-Mughal styles. 

Four Old Places in Madhya Pradesh Now on UNESCO’s Special List

Key Highlights

• Ashokan Edict Sites: A long time ago, there was a great king named Ashoka. He loved peace and kindness. He wrote inspiring notes on big rocks and pillars to teach people to be good. You can still see these writings in Madhya Pradesh!

• Chausath Yogini Temples: The name CHAUSATH means 64 because there are 64 statues of powerful goddess forms inside. The temples look magical and are round

• Gupta Period Temples were built when the Gupta kings ruled India. They are very special as they tell stories from old times and show beautiful carvings of gods.

• Bundela Palace Fortresses: A brave royal family called the Bundelas built big forts and palaces. These places had high walls, secret paths, and beautiful rooms. Kings and queens lived here long ago!

Great Pride for Madhya Pradesh! Four Old Places in Now on UNESCO’s Special List

Four very old and special places in Madhya Pradesh are now on UNESCO’s (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)  tentative list of World Heritage Sites. These places are: Ashokan edict sites, Chausath Yogini temples, Gupta period temples, and the Bundela palace fortresses.

Elevating its pride, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said this is a very happy and proud moment for Madhya Pradesh. He said these places show how special and old our history is.

The Ashokan edict sites have messages written on big rocks and pillars by Emperor Ashoka more than 2,200 years ago. These messages talk about Buddhism, good rules, and kindness.

900 to 1,200 years ago, the Chausath Yogini temples were made. They are round and open from the top. Keeping beautiful stone carvings and they are high in spiritual traditions. These temples are in Khajuraho,  Jabalpur, Morena, Mandsaur, Shahdol, and some other places.

The Gupta period temples were made a very long time ago and show how temple-making changed in India. These temples mix Buddhist and Hindu styles and have tall temple towers with beautiful carvings. Some of these temples are in Sanchi, Udaigiri, Nachna, Tigawa, Bhumara, Sakor, Deori, and Pawaya.

The Bundela palace fortresses were built by the Bundela kings. Some of these big palaces are Garhkundar, Raja Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, Datia Palace, and Dhubela Palace. These places show how the Rajput and Mughal styles were mixed. They were made to look beautiful and strong at the same time.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India - Timeline

• In 2023 September, the Hoysala Temples in Karnataka were added to the World Heritage list of UNESCO.
• Same as in September 2023, Santiniketan in West Bengal was added to a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
• On 2021 July 27,  an ancient Harappan city in Gujarat’s Rann of Kutch, DHOLAVIRA became India’s 40th World Heritage Site of UNESCO. 
• On 2011 July 25,  in Telangana,   Ramappa Temple, known as Rudreswara Temple was added to the list.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India:

 

In 2023, two places got this name:

 

1. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas, Karnataka
2. Santiniketan (West Bengal)

 

In 2021, two more places were added:

 

1. Dholavira, Gujarat
2. Ramappa Temple, Telangana

 

In 2020, Jaipur City, Rajasthan, was added.

 

In 2017, Ahmedabad City, Gujarat was added.

 

In 2016, two places were added

1. Le Corbusier’s Buildings, Chandigarh
2. Nalanda University, Bihar

Some very old places were also named as World Heritage Sites:

• Taj Mahal in 1983
• Agra Fort in 1983
• Ajanta Caves in 1983
• Ellora Caves in 1983
• Sun Temple, Odisha, in 1984
• Khajuraho Temples in 1986
• Hampi Monuments in 1986
• Mahabalipuram Monuments in 1984
• Fatehpur Sikri in 1986 

Names of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India are as follows:-

• Agra Fort
• Ajanta Caves
• Nalanda Mahavihara
• Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi
• Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
• Churches and Convents of Goa
• Elephanta Caves
• Ellora Caves
• Fatehpur Sikri
• Great Living Chola Temples
• Group of Monuments at Hampi
• Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram
• Group of Monuments at Pattadakal
• Hill Forts of Rajasthan
• Historic City of Ahmedabad
• Humayun’s Tomb
• Jaipur City
• Khajuraho Temples
• Mahabodhi Temple Complex
• Mountain Railways of India
• Qutb Minar and its Monuments
• Rani-ki-Vav (Queen’s Stepwell)
• Red Fort Complex
• Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka
• Sun Temple, Konark
• Taj Mahal
• The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier
• The Jantar Mantar
• Great Himalayan National Park
• Kaziranga National Park
• Keoladeo National Park
• Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
• Nanda Devi & Valley of Flowers National Parks
• Sundarbans National Park
• Western Ghats
• Khangchendzonga National Park
• Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple
• Dholavira
• Santiniketan
• Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas

FAQs  related to UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India  

Q1: Which new place in India is very, very special?

A place called Dholavira in Gujarat is now on a super special list! It is from a very, very old time called the Indus Valley Civilization. It got this special title in July 2021 

Q2: How many super special places are there in India in 2024?

• There are 42 special places in India 
• 34 are made by people (like big forts and temples)
• 7 are nature’s magic (like big forests and mountains)
• 1 is a mix of both

 Q3: What are India’s special traditions and fun things?

 India has more than 100 special traditions. 

UNESCO picked 13 of them as extra special. These are things like dances, songs, and festivals that make India unique!

 Q4: Which was the first place in India to get this special title?

 The Agra Fort was the first! It is also called Laal Quila (Red Fort). It became special in 1983. It is very close to the Taj Mahal!

 Q5: Which country has the most special places?

 The countries China and Italy have the most special places! They both have 55 of them.

 Q6: Which state in India has the most special places?

The state of Maharashtra has the most.

It has 5 special places like:

• Ajanta Caves
• Ellora Caves
• Elephanta Caves
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
• Victorian and Art Deco buildings in Mumbai

The UNESCO World Heritage Site keeps its uniqueness in the world. Whether it is a building, a forest, a mountain, or something very old and important. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a big group that helps take care of these places so people can enjoy them forever. In 1972, it made an ongoing effort from time to time to protect these special places and keep them safe.

UK’s Digital Tax Debate: Tough Choices for Trade and Growth

 

                                   Digital Services Tax, DST to avoid the US tariffs, 

Synopsis

The UK is mulling whether to keep or stop a special tax called the Digital Services Tax (DST). This tax makes big internet companies like Google, Facebook, and Amazon pay more money when they earn from UK users. The UK is worried because the US, led by President Trump, might put new trade tariffs on the UK if the tax stays. The UK must decide soon, keep the tax to get more money or remove it to stay friendly with the US.

Key Highlights

• The UK government is considering changing or removing its Digital Services Tax (DST)  to prevent new trade tariffs from the US.
• The DST currently imposes a 2% tax on revenue earned in the UK by major digital companies like Google, Amazon, and Meta (Facebook, Instagram).
• The UK is caught between maintaining tax revenue and avoiding trade conflicts with the US, which has opposed DST and hinted at retaliatory tariffs.
• DST has been a major source of income for the UK, expected to generate £800 million ($1 billion) this year, helping address budget challenges.
• UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's administration must decide whether to prioritize financial gains from DST or maintain strong trade relations with the US.
• If DST remains and new tax rules start in April 2025, NRIs in the UK could face higher taxes on Indian income, including property rents, dividends, and stock sales.
• The UK plans to increase CGT rates in April 2025, affecting crypto and other investments, which could drive more investors into traditional stock markets.
• US tech giants like Alphabet (Google), Meta, and Amazon argue that DST unfairly targets their revenue and have strongly opposed it.
• Some Labour MPs believe big businesses should continue to pay DST, especially as the government faces pressure to avoid cutting welfare programs.
• The UK is ahead of European markets with its crypto-asset regulations, but higher taxation on digital assets could impact blockchain innovation and investor interest.

The UK is thinking about changing or removing its Digital Services Tax (DST) before April 2, 2025, to avoid new trade tariffs from the US. The DST taxes big tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Facebook. The government must now choose between keeping this tax to raise money or removing it to keep good relations with the US.

The goal is to stop possible US tariffs that were earlier warned about by former US President Donald Trump. Right now, this tax charges 2% on the money made in the UK by big tech companies like Alphabet (Google’s parent company), Meta (which owns Facebook), and Amazon. The UK is looking at different choices, such as reducing the tax or removing it fully.

The digital services tax started in April 2020 when the UK’s Conservative government was in power. It was made so that big online companies give the right amount of tax to the UK for the work they do with people in the UK. Now, the UK is trying to protect its tax policy but also wants to avoid a trade fight with the US.

The DST started in April 2020. It charges a 2% tax on the money earned in the UK by big digital companies like search engines, social media platforms, and online stores. The tax affects companies like Google, Facebook, Instagram, and Amazon.

The UK Treasury is looking at different ideas suggested by the Department for Business and Trade. So far, they have not planned to make special rules for individual companies.

These talks come after the US raised concerns about the DST while discussing a "new economic deal" between President Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer last month.

This year, the DST is expected to bring in about £800 million (around $1 billion). However, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves is struggling to manage the country’s budget. The UK must now decide: should they keep the tax for extra money or remove it to avoid tariffs from the US?

The DST has upset many US tech companies. These firms think it is unfair because it targets money earned from UK users. American companies like Alphabet (Google’s parent company), Meta (owner of Facebook and Instagram), and Amazon dislike this tax.

Another issue between the UK and the US was the Chagos Islands agreement. The UK plans to return control of these islands to Mauritius but will keep leasing the Diego Garcia island to the US for their joint military base. Trump seems to support this plan, saying he is "inclined to go along with it."

What is the DST?

The DST is a special tax on big digital companies that make more revenue from UK users. It charges 2% on revenue, not profits. In its first year, the DST collected about £360 million from companies like Amazon, Google, and Apple, more than what they paid in UK corporation tax.

The talks about changing the DST come as Trump looks at ways to apply "reciprocal" tariffs on countries like the UK. The US wants fair trade deals and is pushing back against taxes like the DST.

Why is this a tough choice?

Starmer’s government has a difficult decision. They could remove the DST to keep good trade relations with the US and avoid tariffs. But removing it would also lose millions in tax money, which the UK needs.

If the UK starts its new digital tax rules in April 2025, it could affect Indians and NRIs living in or moving to the UK.

Some Labour MPs are against scrapping the tax. They believe businesses and wealthy companies should contribute more, especially as the government faces pressure to avoid welfare cuts.

What will the UK do?

The UK government is set to raise Capital Gains Tax (CGT) rates Starting in April 2025, through which the basic rate will climb from 10% to 18%, and the higher rate will go from 20% to 24%. This will affect profits from selling stuff like cryptocurrency, treating it more like regular investments. If this crypto tax thing happens, it might push more people to join the stock market. That could mean more companies going public and even pulling in investors from other countries. However, some people are worried as they think taxing digital stuff too much could hurt new ideas in the blockchain world. The UK is already ahead of the European Markets markets with its Crypto-Assets (MiCA) rules, so leaders need to figure out how to keep investors safe without slowing down progress.

Here's a look at a glance of how this may affect them:

1. Higher Taxes on Indian Income

Currently, Indians and NRIs in the UK only pay taxes on Indian income (like rent, dividends, or capital gains) if that money is brought into the UK. But under the proposed system, after four years of living in the UK, NRIs will be taxed on their entire worldwide income—even if they don't transfer it to the UK.

This means:

• Income from property rents in India will now be taxed by the UK.
• Dividends earned from Indian companies will be taxed at higher UK rates.
• Earnings from Indian bank deposits or stock sales will also be taxed.

2. Much Higher Tax Rates

The UK’s tax rates are much higher than India’s. For example

• Dividends: UK may tax up to 40% vs. 10% in India.
• Rental income: UK could add up to 17% more tax compared to India.
• Other income (like interest or capital gains): an additional 5% tax burden.

3. Existing NRIs Also Affected

NRIs already living in the UK as "non-domiciled" individuals may still claim some tax relief, but only for a limited period (up to two more years, depending on how long they've been in the UK). After that, they too will be fully taxed on their global income.

4. Wealth and Inheritance Concerns

Indian families with significant assets or trusts outside the UK may need to restructure how they manage these assets. The new rules could also affect inheritance planning, as global wealth could fall under UK taxation after the fifth year of residency.

5. Planning for the Future

Some Indian families are reportedly reconsidering or delaying plans to migrate to the UK due to these expected changes. Others are consulting tax advisors to rethink their financial strategies and minimize tax liabilities.

In short, if the UK's digital tax and related tax overhaul are introduced, Indians and NRIs living in the UK could end up paying much higher taxes on income and assets they have in India. Careful planning and expert financial advice will be key for NRIs to adapt to these changes smoothly.

UNESCO Internship 2025: Know All About UNESCO Application Process, UNESCO Eligibility,

 

UNESCO Internship 2025: UNESCO Application Process, UNESCO Eligibility, 

Synopsis:

UNESCO has opened an Internship Programme, a learning opportunity for students. They invite applications for their 2025 Internship Programme. The Internship offers students and graduates an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a multicultural environment. It allows participants to work in various fields, including Education, Culture, Natural Sciences, and more. The internship duration ranges from 30 days to six months, providing a valuable learning experience. 

Key Details

• The UNESCO internship offers young professionals and graduates an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a multicultural environment. 

• From application steps to eligibility criteria and the selection process, the guidelines, as under, help you with everything the applicants need to know to apply before the last date.

• The Interns gain experience in areas like Education, Culture, Natural Sciences, Communication, and Social Sciences.

• Applications must be submitted online via UNESCO’s official website before December 31, 2025
• Interns must have mandatory health insurance, as UNESCO only provides limited accident insurance
• If selected, a UNESCO manager will contact the applicant directly within six months; otherwise, the application is considered unsuccessful.

How to Apply, Who Can Apply for the UNESCO Internship 2025?

UNESCO's  2025 Internship Programme is an excellent opportunity for recent graduates and students to gain valuable work experience in a global, multicultural setting.

If you recently completed your graduation or are pursuing a Ph.D or a master’s degree, you should not miss this golden opportunity to develop your skills and build your career through UNESCO.  

The applicants can apply directly through UNESCO's official website namely: https://careers.unesco.org.

What is the UNESCO Internship Programme?

The UNESCO Internship is a practical learning experience designed to prepare students with technical and academic knowledge.  

The program runs for a minimum of 30 days and can extend up to six months. 

Interns get the opportunity to work in fields like Communication, Social and Human Sciences, Culture, Education, Natural Sciences, and more.

Check Eligibility Criteria and Know Who Can Apply. 

To apply for the 2025 internship, an applicant  to  meet the following requirements:

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a Master’s, PhD, or equivalent second-level university degree.
• Proficient in English or French, both spoken and written.
• Familiar with computer systems and software.
• Strong communication skills.
• Minimum age of 20 years.

Key  Details You Should Kno

• The internship lasts between 30 days and 6 months.
• UNESCO does not provide a salary.
• Interns are responsible for securing their visas, travel, and accommodation.
• Health insurance is mandatory, as UNESCO only covers limited workplace accident insurance.
• You must show proof of enrollment or graduation before starting.
• Interns will get 2.5 days of leave per month.

How to Apply for the UNESCO Internship 2025

• Visit the official website: https://careers.unesco.org/
• On the homepage, click APPLY ONLINE.
• Search for internships by type, location, or field of interest.
• Read the internship details carefully.
• Click APPLY ONLINE for the desired program.
• Create an account by entering your email, phone number, and other details.
• After creating your account, sign in to continue.
• Fill out the application form completely.
• Upload all required documents.
• Submit your application.
• Make any necessary payments, if applicable.
• Take a printout of your submitted application for future reference.

What Happens After You Apply?

UNESCO managers will review your application. If selected, the concerned manager will contact you directly. If you do not hear back within six months, your application will not be successful.

Make sure to apply before the deadline of 31 December 2025.

UNESCO Internship Program: The Never-changing Parameters

UNESCO Internship offers students and new graduates the chance to gain real work experience in one of UNESCO's main fields. What you will learn

• Understand how UNESCO works and what it stands for.
• Improve your academic knowledge and technical skills by working on real tasks.
• Benefits of the Internship:
• Learn and grow under the guidance of experienced professionals.
• Work with one of the most respected organizations in the world.
• You will get 2.5 days of leave (holiday) for every month you work.
• Note: UNESCO does not pay interns. There is no salary or other financial help.
• Important things to know before applying:
• Get your motivation letter and resume ready before starting the application.
• You will have only one hour to complete the application.
• Make sure your contact details are correct and will stay valid for at least six months.
• Applications are accepted only in English or French. If your documents are in another language, you must also send a translation in English or French.
• You can apply only once.
• Being eligible does not guarantee that you will get the internship.
• If you are selected, a manager will contact you. If you do not hear back within six months, your application will not be successful.

Your application will be available to UNESCO managers worldwide for six months, but not everyone will receive a reply.