Centre Announces Relief for Non-Muslim Migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan Who Entered Before Dec 31, 2024.

MHA move offers legal stay to minorities lacking valid documents; linked to Citizenship Amendment framework, aims to prevent detention or deportation.

New Delhi, June 15, 2026: In a significant humanitarian initiative, the Ministry of Home Affairs has announced relief measures for non-Muslim migrants who reportedly fled religious persecution in neighbouring countries and sought refuge in India.

Who Qualifies for Relief.

Under the new provisions, minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan who entered India before 31 December 2024 will be permitted to stay in the country legally, even if they do not possess valid passports, travel documents, or other required paperwork.

The relief also covers individuals whose visas or passports have expired, as well as those who entered under exceptional circumstances without complete documentation.

Linked to Citizenship Amendment Framework.

Officials said the move is linked to the broader Citizenship Amendment framework and is intended to create a structured and lawful mechanism for addressing the challenges faced by persecuted minority communities.

The objective is to provide protection from detention or deportation while ensuring a sense of security, dignity, and stability for those who have been living in uncertainty.

Humanitarian Grounds, Within Legal Framework.

For many families who left their homes due to difficult circumstances, the announcement is being seen as an important step toward building a more secure future.

The government has emphasized that the measure is driven by humanitarian considerations and reflects India's long-standing tradition of offering shelter to those seeking refuge.

At the same time, authorities stated that the policy will continue to operate within the framework of existing laws and constitutional principles, balancing humanitarian concerns with legal and administrative requirements.

The decision is aimed at providing legal protection and greater certainty to thousands of affected individuals and families.