GUWAHATI: The Union Home Ministry has revised the registration timeline for foreign nationals seeking to extend their stay in India, making it mandatory for eligible visitors to register before the completion of 180 days in the country.
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The changes have been introduced through amendments to the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025, notified by the Centre on Monday, June 1.
Under the revised rules, foreigners holding visas valid for 180 days or less and intending to stay beyond the permitted period must complete their registration at any time before the expiry of the 180-day period. Earlier, such individuals were allowed to register within 14 days after completing 180 days from their arrival in India.
The amendment modifies Rule 12 of the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025 by replacing the earlier provision requiring registration “within 14 days after the expiry of 180 days of arrival in India” with a new requirement mandating registration before the end of the 180-day period.
The revised provision also applies to foreigners holding visas valid for more than 180 days if their visa conditions specify that each stay in India cannot exceed 180 days. Such visitors will now have to register before completing 180 days in the country if they wish to remain beyond that limit, either on a single visit or cumulatively during a calendar year.
The government has clarified that permission for extended stays beyond the prescribed duration will be granted only under emergent circumstances.
Officials said the amendment is aimed at strengthening monitoring mechanisms for foreign nationals residing in India while ensuring better compliance with immigration regulations.
The notification also includes certain relaxations related to birth reporting requirements and updates compliance obligations for medical institutions dealing with foreign nationals.