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Members of minority communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan — including Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians

Who entered India up to December 31, 2024, to escape religious persecution will be allowed to stay without passports or other valid travel documents, the Union Home Ministry has announced. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), which came into force last year, makes members of these persecuted minorities who arrived in India on or before December 31, 2014, eligible for Indian citizenship.

The latest order, issued under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, provides relief to thousands, particularly Hindus from Pakistan who crossed over after 2014 and were uncertain about their future.

According to the notification, those who sought shelter in India by December 31, 2024 — whether without valid documents or with travel papers that have since expired — will be exempted from the requirement of possessing a valid passport or visa.