New Delhi: In a significant move aimed at easing compliance while tightening procedural clarity, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has notified the Immigration and Foreigners (Amendment) Rules, 2026, introducing key changes to registration timelines, emergency provisions, and a streamlined digital appeals mechanism.
Issued through an official Gazette notification late on Monday, the amendments have been made under Section 30 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, and come into force with immediate effect.
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One of the most notable changes relates to the registration requirements for foreigners staying in India. Under the revised rules, individuals can now complete their registration "any time before the expiry of 180 days" from their arrival in the country. This replaces the earlier provision, which required registration within 14 days after the expiry of the 180 days.
However, the government has simultaneously tightened norms for delayed registration. The amendment clearly states that registration beyond the prescribed period will now be permitted only under "emergent circumstances," signalling a stricter approach towards non-compliance while still allowing flexibility in genuine cases.
