Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) Deadline Extension Announced Until December 31, 2024
The Union Home Ministry has announced an extension of the cut-off date under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), providing relief to a significant number of migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. The new deadline is set for December 31, 2024.
The Citizenship Amendment Act, which was formally implemented by the Centre on March 11, 2020, four years after its passage from the Parliament, offers Indian citizenship to members of minority groups who arrived in India on or before December 31, 2014, provided they meet the conditions specified in the law.
The extension of the cut-off date under the CAA exempts these community members from passport and visa requirements, allowing them to legally reside in India without the fear of being declared as illegal migrants. This decision follows appeals from refugee associations, including the body representing displaced persons from Bangladesh.
The Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025, which came into effect on September 1, is associated with this decision regarding the extension of the cut-off date under the CAA. The Act likely provides the legal framework for the implementation of the extension.
The extension applies to persecuted minority communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, including Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians. This decision brings relief to a large number of migrants who crossed over to India after 2014 and had concerns about their legal stay in the country.
It is important to note that the process of granting Indian citizenship to these community members still depends on the provisions of the CAA. However, the extension of the cut-off date under the CAA provides these individuals with a legal means to reside in India until they can apply for citizenship.
The home ministry order exempts these community members from passport and visa requirements, easing their journey towards integration into Indian society. The extension of the cut-off date under the CAA was urged amid the ongoing influx of minority refugees.
This decision is a significant step towards providing protection and support to persecuted minority communities from neighboring countries. It underscores the government's commitment to upholding the rights of these individuals and offering them a safe haven in India.
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