The Indian government has eased passport and visa regulations for several categories of foreign nationals residing in the country, as announced by the Union Home Ministry. The amended order, published in the Gazette on Thursday, November 5, 2026, outlines significant exemptions while maintaining conditions related to immigration, security clearance, and registration.
New Provisions for Pakistani Nationals
Pakistani nationals who entered India on or before December 31, 2009, with the intention of permanent settlement, may now be exempt from standard passport renewal requirements. This exemption applies if they are unable to renew their documents due to not possessing a Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) issued by Pakistan.
However, this relaxation comes with specific conditions:
- Individuals must not have married or acquired immovable property in Pakistan.
- They must have immediate family members who are Indian citizens.
- An undertaking not to return to Pakistan is required.
- There must be no adverse police or security reports against them.
Similar exemptions apply to certain people of Indian origin who obtained Malaysian or Singaporean citizenship, returned to India by December 31, 2009, and whose passports have expired and cannot be renewed due to their respective countries' requirements.
Exemptions for Minority Refugees and Sri Lankan Tamils
The updated order also extends relief to members of minority communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. This includes Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians who entered India on or before December 31, 2024, after facing or fearing religious persecution. This provision covers those who entered without valid travel documents or whose documents have since expired.
Additionally, registered Sri Lankan Tamil nationals who sought refuge in India on or before January 9, 2015, are now covered under these revised exemptions. Certain Tibetans who entered India via designated routes under specified permits between 1959 and May 30, 2003, or through special entry permits thereafter, are also included, subject to registration requirements.
It is important to note that these three categories of foreign nationals benefiting from specific passport-renewal exemptions must still obtain an appropriate visa to continue their legal stay in India.
Clarified Travel Rules for India, Nepal, and Bhutan
The amendment also clarifies identification and travel requirements for citizens of India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Individuals traveling directly between these three countries by land or air may now use specific identification documents listed in the government's Visa Manual, instead of requiring a standard passport.
However, Indian citizens traveling to or returning from third countries through Nepal or Bhutan must carry valid passports and utilize designated immigration posts. Similarly, Nepalese and Bhutanese nationals entering or leaving India after traveling through or transiting via China, Macau, Hong Kong, or Pakistan must possess valid passports and visas.