Amit Shah Says India Not a Dharamshala, Infiltrators Will Be Dealt With Ruthlessly

Agartala: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Thursday strongly defended the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, stating that the proposed legislation will create a systematic, integrated, and updated record of all immigrants while enhancing national security and fostering economic growth. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Shah emphasized that the Bill consolidates existing immigration laws to eliminate loopholes and overlaps, ensuring a streamlined, tech-driven, and transparent process.

तीन वर्षों के गहन विचार-विमर्श के बाद बना नया इमिग्रेशन विधेयक इमिग्रेशन व्यवस्था को Simplified, Streamlined, Secure और Systematic बनाएगा। pic.twitter.com/gUQGiCl0XQ

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 27, 2025

Shah began by stressing the fundamental right of any nation to monitor its borders and regulate immigration. “The nation has the right to know who enters its boundaries, when they enter, why they enter, and for how long they stay. This is crucial for national security,” he asserted. He explained that while multiple laws governing immigration have existed for years, they were scattered and lacked coordination. “We have gathered them and integrated them into one comprehensive framework,” he added.

A Step Towards Economic Growth and Security

Shah highlighted the significance of immigration in the broader context of India’s aspirations to become a $5 trillion economy and the world’s third-largest economy by 2027. He emphasized that the Bill aims to facilitate legitimate immigration while preventing illegal entry. “Those who come for business and education are welcome. But those who come with the intent to harm national security will be monitored,” he declared.

नए इमिग्रेशन विधेयक में ड्रग तस्करी, घुसपैठ, अवैध हथियारों की तस्करी और हवाला के पैसों से व्यापार करने वालों की रोकथाम के लिए अनेक ठोस प्रावधान हैं। pic.twitter.com/zMreB4Oj6p

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 27, 2025

The minister also spoke about India’s historical role in providing refuge to persecuted communities. “Our Upanishads taught the world the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam when many other civilizations were still in primitive stages. We have always sheltered persecuted communities, whether it be Parsis or Jews,” he noted. He defended India’s decision not to be a signatory to international refugee conventions, stating, “We do not need a separate policy for refugees. Unlike geopolitical nations, we are a geo-cultural nation.”

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CAA and the Protection of Persecuted Communities

Referring to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Shah reiterated that the Modi government has given citizenship to six persecuted communities from neighbouring countries. He assured that refugees who came to India due to religious persecution would continue to be protected, while illegal infiltrators would face strict action. “The CAA does not discriminate. Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Parsis, Christians, and Jains who have faced persecution are welcome in India. But infiltrators will certainly be stopped,” he asserted.

Strengthening Immigration Infrastructure and Processes

Shah highlighted the major advancements in immigration infrastructure under the Modi government. “In 2014, India had 83 immigration posts; today, we have 114, a 37% increase. The number of Immigration Control Technology (ICT) counters has gone up from 447 to 2278, a 206% rise,” he pointed out. He also noted that the time taken for immigration processing at eight major airports has been reduced to just 30 seconds.

The Bill introduces significant structural changes, including the establishment of an Immigration Bureau to centralize data management and enforce compliance. “Earlier, our systems were scattered across four different laws. There were issues of overlapping and contradictions. This Bill removes all these shortcomings,” Shah explained.

भारत कोई धर्मशाला नहीं है, जहाँ कोई भी व्यक्ति किसी भी उद्देश्य से आकर बस जाए। जो व्यक्ति देश की सुरक्षा के लिए खतरा होगा, उसे रोकने का अधिकार संसद के पास है। pic.twitter.com/qVdhtCH4uD

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 27, 2025

He also assured that immigration procedures would be made simpler, transparent, and time-bound. The law mandates proper documentation for entry, stay, and exit introduces provisions for biometric data collection, and allows the government to blacklist individuals who threaten national security or public health. “This country is not a Dharamshala,” Shah remarked, emphasizing the need for strict regulations.

Targeting Drug Cartels, Infiltrators, and Financial Crimes

A major focus of the Bill is curbing illegal immigration networks, including drug cartels and infiltration syndicates. “This law includes provisions to root out drug cartels, infiltration rings, and hawala cartels,” Shah said. He further explained that foreigners residing illegally in India would face stricter enforcement, with enhanced penalties for carriers facilitating illegal entry. “All the previous immigration laws were made by the British for their benefit. Today, we are making laws for Bharat, as a sovereign nation,” he declared.

Addressing concerns about national security, Shah emphasized that the government has the right to restrict entry into sensitive areas. “Some people question why certain areas are restricted. The fact is, this provision has always existed—even when previous governments were in power. The difference is, we are legalizing it with full transparency,” he added.

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Visa Reforms and Simplification of Immigration Processes

The Bill introduces major reforms in visa issuance, including an expansion of e-visas. “Earlier, e-visas were granted to just 10 countries; today, we provide them to 169 nations. Visa-on-arrival is now available at 31 international airports and six ports,” Shah highlighted. The government has also introduced a special Ayush Visa to promote medical tourism.

To further facilitate entry, the government has expanded e-visa categories to nine subcategories, including e-tourism, e-business, e-health, e-student, and e-research. “We are simplifying the process for legitimate travellers while ensuring those with ill intentions are kept out,” Shah explained.

West Bengal Government Accused of Obstructing Border Fencing

Responding to concerns about border security, Shah detailed the ongoing efforts to fence the Indo-Bangladesh border. “Out of the 2216-km border, 1653 km is already fenced. The remaining 563 km includes 112 km with adverse geographical conditions where fencing is impossible,” he stated. However, he accused the West Bengal government of delaying land allocation for the remaining 450 km, preventing full border security. “The central government has sent 10 reminders and held multiple meetings, but the West Bengal government refuses to cooperate. When we come to power in Bengal, we will ensure infiltration is stopped,” he declared.

बंगाल सरकार की घुसपैठियों पर दयादृष्टि के कारण ही सीमा पर फेंसिंग अधूरी है।

অনুপ্রবেশকারীদের উপর পশ্চিমবঙ্গ সরকারের দয়া দৃষ্টির কারণেই সীমান্তে কাঁটাতারের বেড়ার কাজ আটকে রয়েছে. pic.twitter.com/bWTCiHkmgs

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 27, 2025

Shah also pointed out that infiltration patterns have changed. “Earlier, illegal immigrants used to enter through Assam. Now, they are coming through Bengal,” he said, blaming the ruling party for sympathizing with infiltrators.

Response to the Tamil Refugee Issue

Responding to a question raised by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi about the policy on Tamil refugees, Shah remarked that the issue had never been raised in prior meetings with DMK members. “If you had brought it up earlier, we would have considered it. Our policy remains the same as it was under your government,” he said.

DMK ने तमिल शरणार्थियों से मुँह फेर लिया है। उनके सांसदों ने कभी भी तमिल शरणार्थियों का मुद्दा नहीं उठाया।

தமிழ் அகதிகளுக்கு திமுக தன் முதுகை காட்டியுள்ளது. திமுக எம்.பி.க்கள் ஒருபோதும் தமிழ் அகதிகள் பிரச்சினையை எழுப்பியதில்லை. pic.twitter.com/Gh50s4yfUX

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 27, 2025

When another DMK MP, T.R. Baalu, suggested that previous policies might have been flawed, Shah swiftly responded, “So you admit that your policies were wrong? If the DMK-supported government had done things correctly, we wouldn’t have had to step in.”

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A Historic Reform for ‘New India’

Concluding his speech, Shah called the Bill a historic milestone in India’s legislative history. “We have eliminated contradictions, reduced duplications, and made immigration processes transparent, tech-driven, and efficient. This is not just a reform; this is a step towards a ‘New India,’ a developed India,” he stated. He emphasized that India’s global presence, economic aspirations, and security concerns necessitate strong and modern immigration laws. “We cannot allow outdated British-era laws to govern us anymore. This Bill is for Bharat, made by Bharat, in Bharat’s interest,” he concluded.