The Immigration & Foreigners Act 2025, passed by Parliament and assented to by the President of India on April 4, officially came into effect on September 1, 2025. The new law introduces updated compliance requirements for accommodation providers, medical institutions, and educational establishments dealing with foreign nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders.
Under the new framework, Form C has been renamed Form III, while Form S is now referred to as Form II. Both forms are to be electronically generated and submitted within 24 hours of arrival or departure of any foreign national, as per the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) notification.
Mandatory Reporting for Hotels, Hospitals, and Institutions
The law brings significant procedural changes for a broad range of establishments, from hotels and homestays to hospitals and universities. Every accommodation provider, including guesthouses, hostels, paying guest facilities, and religious or charitable lodges, must now file Form III for every foreigner, including OCI cardholders who were earlier exempted.
Similarly, universities, schools, and educational institutions are required to file Form II and Form III for all foreign students staying in their hostels. Medical establishments such as hospitals and nursing homes must report both the admission and discharge of foreigners and additionally notify authorities within seven days in cases of birth or death involving any foreign national.
Electronic Record-Keeping and Penalties
Accommodation providers are required to maintain electronic records of all foreign guests for at least one year. Each entry must capture the guest’s arrival and departure details, signed by the individual, along with their next destination address.
Failure to comply within the 24-hour deadline could lead to significant penalties. The MHA has authorized the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) to compound offences before or during prosecution.
Hotels and accommodation providers face fines of ₹50,000 per case for non-submission of Form III.
Educational institutions may be fined ₹1,00,000 per case for failing to file Form II or Form III on time.
Hospitals and clinics that delay Form III submission or fail to report the birth or death of a foreigner may also face ₹1,00,000 per case in penalties.
Local Enforcement
To ensure compliance, the Central Government has designated the Superintendents of Police (SPs) of each district as Foreigners Registration Officers (FROs) and Civil Authorities.
South Andaman: Sh. Manoj Kumar Meena, IPS (Email: spsa.and@nic.in)
North & Middle Andaman: Ms. Shweta K. Sugathan, IPS (Email: spnm.and@nic.in)
Nicobar District: Sh. Rahul L. Nair, IPS (Email: spcn.and@nic.in)
These officers will oversee registration, verification, and enforcement under the new Immigration Rules 2025.
Broader Implications
The move aims to modernize immigration reporting and enhance national security through real-time digital monitoring of foreign nationals in India. The inclusion of OCI cardholders under the reporting framework reflects a more uniform and technology-driven approach to tracking international visitors and residents.
The Andaman and Nicobar Police have urged all accommodation providers, educational and medical institutions to familiarize themselves with the new provisions to avoid penalties and ensure smooth compliance.
