Centre Tightens Noose on Illegal Foreigners: Detention Centers and Enhanced Tribunal Powers

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Central Government has tightened the noose on illegal foreign intruders and has directed all the states and union territories to set up detention centers in their respective areas. This order was given in a gazette notification issued by the Union Home Ministry on Tuesday, so that the movement of illegal intruders can be restricted and they can be kept in these centers before they are deported from the country.

The government has also expanded the powers of Foreigners' Tribunals through the 'Immigration and Foreigners Order, 2025'. Under this new order, if a person whose citizenship is doubted fails to appear before the tribunal, the tribunal can issue an order for his detention. The notification clarified that a person who is unable to produce evidence to prove that he is not a foreigner, and is also unable to arrange for bail in connection with his claim, will be kept in a detention center.

New rules on employment of foreigners:

Strict guidelines have also been issued in the notification regarding employment of foreigners in the private sector. According to this, no foreign national holding a valid work visa will be able to work in any private enterprise related to sensitive sectors like electricity, water or petroleum without the permission of the civil authority. Apart from this, it will be mandatory to take prior permission of the central government before employing any foreign national in sectors like defense, space technology, atomic energy or human rights.

Relief to Nepal-Bhutan citizens

In another notification, it has also been clarified that citizens of Nepal and Bhutan do not need passport and visa to travel to and from India by land or air. This rule will also apply to Tibetan refugees who have entered India after 1959 but before May 30, 2003 and are registered with the concerned authorities.