Foreigners need permits for jobs, films, expeditions; some restricted areas barred

New Delhi

Foreigners convicted of serious crimes such as terrorism, espionage, rape, murder, child trafficking, or membership of banned groups may be denied entry or stay in India under new rules issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, requires all states and Union Territories to establish holding centres or detention camps for foreigners until deportation.

According to the order, foreigners applying for visas or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards must provide biometric details before approval. Illegal immigrants caught within India will be held in detention centres pending deportation, while border forces and the Coast Guard will prevent unlawful entry and record biometric and demographic data on a central portal.

Restrictions also extend to foreign nationals in sensitive sectors. No foreigner can take up private sector jobs in key industries like power, water supply, or petroleum without approval. Similarly, foreigners must seek written permission to produce films, television content, or web series for public release in India. Mountaineering expeditions also require prior approval, with conditions such as designated routes and liaison officers.

Entry into restricted areas like Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Sikkim, and parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh will only be allowed with permits. However, foreigners of Afghan, Chinese, or Pakistani origin are barred from visiting such areas.

The Bureau of Immigration will maintain updated lists of foreigners denied entry or exit. The ministry added that exit may be refused if courts require a person’s presence, if they pose health risks, or if departure harms India’s foreign relations.