New Delhi: The Centre has eased passport and visa rules for some foreign nationals in India, including some Pakistani nationals, religious minority refugees from neighbouring countries, Sri Lankan Tamils and Tibetans.
The new rules, notified through the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) (Amendment) Order, 2026 on Thursday, also ease the identification and travel rules for citizens of India, Nepal and Bhutan travelling directly between the neighbouring countries.
The exemptions are granted to those who have been unable to renew their passports, some persons of Indian origin and refugees who fled to India owing to religious persecution or fear of persecution.
Pakistani Nationals Entering India Before 2010 Eased From Renewing Passports
Pakistani nationals who have entered India on or before December 31, 2009, with the intention to settle permanently have been granted exemptions from normal conditions for passport renewal.
This is for those who were unable to renew their passports due to lack of Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC), issued by Pakistan.
However, they should not have married or bought immovable property in Pakistan during their stay there. Family members who were left behind should be citizens of India.
They need to give a declaration that they will not return to Pakistan. Further, there should be no negative report against them by police or security agencies.
Some Persons of Indian Origin from Malaysia and Singapore Eased
Persons of Indian origin who have become citizens of Malaysia or Singapore and returned to India on or before December 31, 2009, using passports from those countries have been given exemptions.
Their passports have now expired and could not be renewed as they did not satisfy renewal conditions in the respective countries.
“The term “person of Indian origin” means a foreigner (other than citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Nepal and China) who has previously held an Indian passport.
“It also includes those whose father, grandfather or great grandfather was born in India and who himself/herself or his/her father/grandfather/ great grandfather was permanently resident in the territories which, at the time, were included in the Government of India Act, 1935 (or areas which subsequently became part of India).
“But he/she shall not at any time have been a citizen of Pakistan/Bangladesh/Sri Lanka/Afghanistan/Bhutan/Nepal and China.”
Those eligible under this rule should acquire a visa of the relevant category to continue to stay in India.
Identification Documents Can Be Used for Direct Travel Between India, Nepal and Bhutan
Indian, Nepalese and Bhutanese citizens can travel directly between India, Nepal and Bhutan using identification documents specified in the official Visa Manual of the government.
However, Indian citizens travelling in or out of India via India-Nepal or India-Bhutan border to/from any country other than Nepal or Bhutan will need to carry a valid passport.
Further, travellers should only enter/exit India through designated immigration points.
Normal Passport and Visa Rules Apply for Travelling via Third Countries
Normal passport and visa rules will apply to Nepalese and Bhutanese citizens travelling to/from India via China, Macau, Hong Kong or Pakistan.
Normal rules will also apply when crossing borders within the region to travel to/from third countries.
Religious Minority Refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan Entering India by December 2024 Given Exemptions
Persons belonging to six religious minority communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan have been granted exemptions.
Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians who fled their country and entered India on or before December 31, 2024, have been given exemptions.
This applies to those who entered India without valid passports/travel documents and those whose documents have now expired.
However, they will need to acquire a visa of the relevant category upon arrival in India to continue to stay.