Foreigners must register before 180-day stay limit under new rules
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New Delhi:The Government of India has amended regulations governing foreign nationals staying in the country beyond 180 days, introducing a requirement for prior registration before the completion of the 180-day period.
Under the revised provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025, foreign nationals entering India on visas valid for 180 days or less, and intending to extend their stay beyond the permitted duration must now complete registration at any point before the expiry of the 180-day limit. This marks a shift from the earlier system, which allowed registration within 14 days after completing 180 days from the date of arrival.
The updated rules also apply to foreigners holding visas valid for more than 180 days but carrying conditions that restrict each stay to a maximum duration. In such cases, registration must now be completed before crossing the 180-day threshold. The government has clarified that any registration beyond the permitted stay period will only be allowed in exceptional or emergent circumstances.
The amended framework further introduces changes concerning children born in India to foreign nationals. Earlier provisions required parents to electronically notify registration authorities within 30 days of the child’s birth to access visa-related services, including visa issuance or exit permission. Under the revised rules, this requirement will not apply if one of the parents is an Indian citizen and the family intends to retain Indian citizenship for the child.
However, if such a child later acquires citizenship of another country while residing in India, either parent must inform the registration officer within 30 days of the change in citizenship status.
In addition, the notification brings revisions to reporting obligations and administrative procedures for hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical institutions that provide lodging or accommodation facilities, strengthening compliance and monitoring mechanisms.
The government stated that the changes are aimed at streamlining immigration compliance and improving regulatory oversight of foreign nationals staying in India.
With IANS inputs