Minority Relief Announced
New Delhi
The Government of India has announced a major relief for persecuted minorities from neighbouring countries. According to a recent notification, members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan who entered India on or before December 31, 2024, will not face any penal action. This exemption applies even if they lack valid passports or travel documents. The decision has been formalised under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2024, which came into effect on September 1.
The move has been welcomed by the BJP, which has long advocated support for oppressed minorities through the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar described it as a true step towards justice and humanity. Posting on X, he noted that this landmark decision ensures shelter and protection for those forced to flee their countries due to religious persecution.
The Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) Order, 2025, has also extended similar relaxations to other groups. Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan, as well as Tibetans who entered India between 1959 and May 2003 with special permits and registered with authorities, will continue to receive protection.
Additionally, certain categories are exempted from visa requirements under the new framework. These include personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force entering India on official duty, along with their accompanying family members traveling on government transport. Foreigners holding diplomatic passports are also covered by the exemption.
Through this order, the government has reaffirmed India’s role as a safe haven for persecuted minorities in the region while simplifying immigration rules for specific groups, reinforcing its humanitarian commitment alongside national security concerns.
