In a significant move, the Union Home Ministry (MHA) has allowed minority refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan to reside in India without passports or other travel documents. The decision comes amid concerns raised by Tripura’s Tipra Motha regarding illegal immigration from Bangladesh.

Under the newly enacted Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) Order, 2025, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians who entered India on or before December 31, 2024, can now legally stay in the country even if they lack valid travel documents. 

Expired documents will also be accepted during the verification process.

This provision extends relief to thousands who fled religious persecution in their home countries and faced uncertainty due to lack of documentation.

 It also expands the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which initially had a cut-off date of December 31, 2014, now moved to December 31, 2024. This allows more non-Muslim migrants who arrived in recent years to apply for Indian citizenship.

Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar confirmed the notification dated September 1, 2025. The update follows persistent appeals from refugee organizations representing displaced minority communities, particularly from Bangladesh.

The CAA, first passed in 2019 and implemented in March 2024, was designed to fast-track citizenship for non-Muslim refugees. With this extension, the government aims to provide greater stability, safety, and legal recognition to persecuted communities seeking a new life in India.