Exemption for Certain Migrants Under Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025

New Delhi: The Indian government has announced that migrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh belonging to six minority communities — Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, and Parsi — who entered India on or before December 31, 2024 will not face penal action under the Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025, even if their passport or travel document validity has expired.

Key Points

Exemptions also apply to:

Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan, and Tibetans who entered India between 1959 May 30, 2003 on special entry permits.

Registered Sri Lankan Tamils who took shelter in India until Jan 9, 2015.

Members of armed forces entering/exiting India on duty, along with accompanying families.

Holders of diplomatic passports.

Penalties for Others:

Illegal entry without valid passport/visa: fine up to ₹5 lakh.

Overstaying visa: fines from ₹10,000 to ₹2 lakh, depending on duration, capped at ₹3 lakh.

Visiting protected/restricted areas or not reporting accommodation: additional fines.

States/UTs are empowered to enforce these rules.

Significance:

The move provides legal clarity and relief for minority migrants while strengthening the framework for regulating foreign nationals in India.