Persecuted minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan who arrived before 2025 permitted to stay in India

The Modi-led BJP government has announced a significant policy change, permitting members of persecuted minority communities like Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan who entered India on or before December 31, 2024, to remain in the country without valid passports or other travel documents.

This decision was made under the newly implemented Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, and aims to provide relief to individuals who fled religious persecution in their home countries.

The government clarified that even if these individuals entered India without valid documents or if their documents have expired, they will not be considered illegal immigrants.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), which came into force in 2024, had previously granted Indian citizenship to members of these communities who arrived in India on or before December 31, 2014.

The recent extension allows those who arrived after 2014 but before the new cut-off date to remain in India legally.

This move is expected to benefit a significant number of individuals, particularly Hindus from Pakistan, who had been residing in India without legal status since their arrival after 2014.

The government's decision underscores its commitment to providing sanctuary to religious minorities facing persecution in neighboring countries.