New Immigration Rules: Who Gets Passport and Visa Exemptions in India?

The Union Home Ministry has relaxed passport and visa requirements for certain foreign nationals living in India, as per news reports.  

The changes cover specific groups of Pakistani nationals, minority refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, Sri Lankan Tamils and Tibetans. 

The revised rules were notified in the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) (Amendment) Order, 2026, published in the Gazette on November 5, 2026. The order sets out exemptions for people who cannot renew their travel documents or entered India under particular circumstances. 

According to news agency PTI, the exemptions are subject to eligibility conditions. In some cases, individuals will still need to obtain a visa to continue living in India. 

Pakistani Nationals Who Can Apply for Exemption 

Pakistani nationals who entered India on or before December 31, 2009, intending to settle permanently are covered by the revised provisions.  

The exemption applies to those unable to renew their passports because they do not have a Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) issued by Pakistan. 

To qualify, individuals must not have married while living in Pakistan or acquired any immovable property there. They must also have left behind family members who are Indian citizens when they travelled to Pakistan. 

Applicants must give an undertaking that they will not return to Pakistan. They must also have no adverse reports against them from police or security agencies. 

Six Minority Communities Included 

The exemption also covers Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. 

Members of these communities must have entered India on or before December 31, 2024, after facing religious persecution or fearing such persecution. The provision applies to those who entered without valid travel documents and those whose documents have since expired. 

However, the exemption does not allow them to stay in India indefinitely without completing other immigration formalities. They must obtain an appropriate visa to continue their stay. 

Rules for Sri Lankan Tamils and Tibetans 

Registered Sri Lankan Tamil nationals who took shelter in India on or before January 9, 2015, are also exempt from general passport and visa requirements. 

For Tibetan nationals, the exemption covers those who entered India using permits issued by the Indian embassy in Kathmandu between 1959 and May 30, 2003. It also includes those who arrived later with special entry permits through designated immigration posts along the India-Nepal border. 

Changes for Indian, Nepalese and Bhutanese Citizens 

The order also simplifies identification requirements for Indian, Nepalese and Bhutanese citizens travelling directly between the three countries. 

The exemptions apply to specific groups and are subject to the entry dates and conditions mentioned in the amended order. 

Read More: Government Considers Asset Monetisation Proposals Worth Over ₹1,100 Crore! 

Conclusion  

The revised rules cover selected Pakistani nationals, minority refugees, Sri Lankan Tamils and Tibetans. Eligibility depends on the conditions and entry dates mentioned in the order. 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.