Minorities of Afghanistan, B’desh and Pak can stay in India without passport if entered before Dec 2024
India Grants Amnesty to Minority Refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan
In a major step towards supporting persecuted minorities, the Indian government has announced a new rule allowing non-Muslim communities to stay in India without fear of prosecution. This includes Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians from neighboring countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan who entered India on or before December 31, 2024.
Under the recently enforced Immigration and Foreigners Act 2024, these individuals, even if they lack valid travel documents like passports, will not face legal action. This move aims to provide safe shelter and relief to minorities fleeing religious persecution or threats in their home countries.
The decision has received widespread praise, especially from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as it aligns with the spirit of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) — which was designed to support persecuted minorities from neighboring nations.
Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar called this a “true step towards justice and humanity.” He shared on social media that the government’s decision will help minorities who entered India before December 2024 stay without the need for official documents.
The new rules also extend benefits to citizens of Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibetans who entered India between 1959 and May 2003 on special permits and are registered with authorities. They too are given relief under this order.
Additionally, members of the Indian military, navy, and air forces entering India on duty — along with their family members traveling with them on government transport — will be exempt from usual immigration rules. Diplomats holding passports will also not need a visa to stay in India.
This landmark decision reflects India’s commitment to protecting vulnerable minorities and offering them a safe haven. It’s a significant move that broadens safety and support for those fleeing religious persecution, ensuring they find refuge in India.
