The Indian government has provided significant relief to minority communities who have sought refuge in India from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. The Ministry of Home Affairs announced that individuals belonging to minority communities (Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian) who arrived in India by December 31, 2024, to escape religious persecution, will be permitted to reside in the country without the need for passports or other documentation.
While the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), which came into effect last year, grants Indian citizenship to minority members who arrived in India on or before December 31, 2014, the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, provides a pathway for those arriving after 2014 to remain in India.
This order, issued under the newly implemented Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, offers considerable solace to a large number of people, particularly Hindus from Pakistan who arrived after 2014 and were concerned about their future and residency status.
