Govt eases passport and visa norms for select foreign nationals and refugees

The Union Home Ministry has officially released a govt india gazette notification detailing significant relaxations in passport, visa, and travel requirements for various categories of foreign nationals residing in India. Published on Thursday, the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) (Amendment) Order, 2026, aims to streamline documentation for specific groups while maintaining necessary security and registration protocols.

Under the new provisions, Pakistani nationals who entered India on or before December 31, 2009, with the intent to settle permanently may be exempted from regular passport renewal requirements. This applies to those unable to renew travel documents due to a lack of a Computerised National Identity Card. Eligibility is contingent upon not having married or acquired property in Pakistan, having left Indian citizen family members behind, and submitting an undertaking not to return. Furthermore, individuals must have no adverse reports from police or security agencies.

The government has eased travel and documentation requirements for several categories of foreign nationals in India.

Updates on regional travel and documentation

The amendment also provides relief to minority refugees from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, specifically members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian communities who arrived by December 31, 2024, due to religious persecution. Similar exemptions are extended to registered Sri Lankan Tamil nationals who took shelter in India by January 9, 2015. Additionally, people of Indian origin who acquired Malaysian or Singaporean citizenship and returned to India by the end of 2009 may also benefit from these relaxed rules, provided they obtain appropriate visas.

For citizens of India, Nepal, and Bhutan, the order clarifies that travel between these nations can be conducted using identification documents specified in the official Visa Manual rather than standard passports. However, travel to or from other third countries via these borders still necessitates valid passports and visas. The government has also exempted Indian military personnel on official duty and foreign crew members of military vessels under repair from standard passport requirements, provided they carry valid military identification.

Why it matters

The notification includes specific provisions for Tibetan nationals who entered India using permits issued by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu between 1959 and May 30, 2003. It also addresses those who arrived after that date through designated immigration posts, requiring them to register with authorities to obtain a certificate.

This revised framework provides clarity for immigration authorities regarding the movement of long-term residents and refugees. By simplifying documentation for these specific groups, the government seeks to facilitate eligible cross-border movement while ensuring that security checks and visa conditions remain robust.