Minorities of Afghanistan, B’desh and Pak can stay in India without passport if entered before Dec 2024

September 3, 2025

New Delhi: On September 3, 2025, the Indian government issued a notification under the Immigration and Foreigners Act 2024, effective from September 1, 2025.

This policy exempts non-Muslim minorities—Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians—from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, who entered India on or before December 31, 2024, due to religious persecution or fear thereof, from penal action.

This applies regardless of whether they possess valid documents, such as passports or other travel papers, allowing them to stay in India legally.

Support for the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)

The decision has been widely praised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as a significant step toward providing refuge to persecuted minorities from neighboring countries, aligning with the objectives of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar described the move as “a true step towards justice & humanity.”

In a post on X, he highlighted that the policy enables these minorities, who fled religious persecution, to reside in India without fear of legal repercussions, even if they lack valid documentation.

Additional Exemptions for Specific Groups

The Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) Order 2025 extends similar relief to citizens of Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibetans who entered India between 1959 and May 2003 with a special entry permit and are registered with the Foreign Registration Officer.

Furthermore, exemptions are granted to members of the Navy, Military, and Air Forces entering India on duty, along with their accompanying family members traveling on government transport.

Foreigners holding diplomatic passports are also exempt from visa requirements under this notification.