India’s Ministry of Home Affairs has eased immigration and residency requirements for certain religious minorities from Afghanistan and Pakistan under a new order.

The Times of India reported on Friday, November 6, that under the order, Afghan Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Christians, Jains and Zoroastrians who entered India before December 31, 2024, due to fears of religious persecution will be exempt from certain passport and valid travel document requirements.

The report said the exemption also applies to individuals who entered India without passports or with expired travel documents. However, they must obtain the appropriate visa to continue their stay in the country.

The measures have been introduced under India’s Immigration and Foreigners Exemption Order, 2026.

Meanwhile, the Indian government has also eased the requirements for renewing the passports of Pakistani nationals who entered the country before December 31, 2009, with the intention of permanent residency.