India has introduced significant changes to its visa policy for foreigners staying on long‑term visas. Under the new rules, any foreign national holding a 180‑day visa who wishes to remain in the country beyond the permitted period must complete registration before the visa expires.
Previously, foreigners were allowed to register within 14 days after the visa period ended, but that provision has now been abolished through a new government notification.
The Union Home Ministry amended a section of the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025 to bring about this change, reports The Hindu.
According to the revised rule, even those whose visas are valid for more than 180 days but limited to continuous stays of 180 days must register before the period ends if they intend to extend or cumulatively exceed the limit within a year.
The government has said the measure will make monitoring and immigration management of foreigners in India more effective.
It also clarified that permission to stay beyond the stipulated period will only be considered in special emergency circumstances.
The notification introduced changes regarding children of foreign nationals as well. If one parent is an Indian citizen and the child is to retain Indian nationality, immediate reporting of the birth is no longer mandatory.
However, if the child later acquires citizenship of another country while residing in India, parents must inform authorities within 30 days.
In addition, reporting and information‑sharing requirements for hospitals, nursing homes, and institutions providing long‑term medical services have been updated under the new rules.
