India Notifies Designated Immigration Posts Under New Act

The Central Government, through a Notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, S.O. 3987(E), on September 1, 2025, formally designated a comprehensive list of immigration posts across India. This crucial delegated legislation was issued in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 4 of the recently enacted Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 (Act No. 13 of 2025). The notification specifies various locations that will serve as official points for individuals to enter into and exit from India, thereby streamlining and regulating international travel and border control. The designated posts encompass a wide array of entry and exit points, including 37 airports, 34 seaports, 37 land ports, and 6 rail ports, spread across numerous states and union territories. This measure directly affects all international travelers, immigration authorities, and the operational management of these transport hubs. The notification came into force immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette on September 1, 2025.

The legislative intent behind this notification is to establish a clear and legally defined framework for immigration control under the new Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. By explicitly listing all designated immigration posts, the Central Government aims to remove any ambiguity regarding the authorized points of entry and exit, which is fundamental for effective national security and systematic management of foreign nationals and citizens alike. The earlier legal position would have relied on previous designations, but the enactment of the new Immigration and Foreigners Act necessitated a fresh and consolidated notification to align with the updated statutory framework. This action addresses potential statutory gaps or issues that might arise from an outdated list of designated posts, ensuring that all current and future points of international transit are officially recognized. The legislation provided: “...the Central Government hereby notifies the following immigration posts specified in column (2) of the Table below as designated immigration posts for entry into and exit from India...” This formal designation introduces a clear obligation for all persons to utilize these specified locations for legal immigration procedures, thereby enhancing the enforcement mechanisms for border control. The notification, while not repealing specific prior enactments, effectively supersedes any previous, less comprehensive lists of immigration posts by consolidating them under the authority of the new 2025 Act, ensuring a unified and robust system for managing India's international borders.

Keywords: Immigration posts, India, Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025, designated entry points, airports, seaports, land ports, rail ports, border control

Geo Tags: India, Pan-India District: Not Applicable