The Government of India has provided relief to minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan who have come to India fleeing religious persecution. Now, those arriving until December 31, 2024, will be able to stay in India without a passport or visa.
CAA: The Government of India has made a significant announcement for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians who have sought refuge in India from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, having faced religious persecution. This decision will bring relief to thousands of families who were worried about their future.
Who will benefit
The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued an order stating that individuals who have arrived seeking refuge in India until December 31, 2024, will not require a valid passport or other travel documents. This order is specifically for those who were forced to flee their countries due to religious persecution and have come to India hoping for a secure life.
This decision is linked to the CAA
This decision is also connected to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019. Under the CAA, there is a provision to grant Indian citizenship to these minorities who arrived in India until December 31, 2014. However, the situation for those who arrived after 2014 was unclear. With the new order, individuals arriving until December 31, 2024, can also breathe a sigh of relief.
Exemption from Passport and Visa Rules
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs' order, individuals who have come to India from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan due to religious persecution will now be exempt from passport or visa requirements. They can seek refuge in India and stay here without facing any legal difficulties.
No impact on citizens of Nepal and Bhutan
The government has also clarified that passport or visa rules will continue to apply to people coming from Nepal and Bhutan as before. Citizens of these countries can still enter India without a passport and visa, as was the case previously.
Great relief for Hindus arriving from Pakistan
Thousands of Hindu families from Pakistan have been troubled by their legal status for a long time. Many of them arrived in India after 2014 and were unsure about their future. This decision will provide them with relief, allowing them to live a secure life in India.
