For Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians who came to India from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan due to religious persecution, the central government has taken a significant step.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that minority refugees who arrived in India until December 31, 2024, will not face any punishment even if they do not have a passport or valid documents, and they will be allowed to stay in the country. This exemption has been granted under the Immigration and Foreigners Act 2024, which came into effect on September 1.

The Home Ministry clarified that those who came to India fearing religious persecution will not be expelled even if their documents have expired. However, this relief will only be applicable to those minorities who entered India before the specified date.

Additionally, under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) implemented last year, people from these communities who entered India until December 31, 2014, will be granted Indian citizenship. At the same time, the ministry has directed states and Union Territories to set up special holding centers for illegal foreigners.