The Central Government has introduced changes to passport and visa requirements for certain foreign nationals living in India. The exemptions cover specific Pakistani nationals, minority communities from neighbouring countries, Sri Lankan Tamils, Tibetans and people of Indian origin who meet prescribed conditions.
The revised provisions were notified by the Union Home Ministry on Thursday through the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) (Amendment) Order, 2026. The order also clarifies travel and identity document requirements for Indian, Nepalese and Bhutanese citizens travelling between these neighbouring countries.
Passport Exemptions for Certain Pakistani Nationals
Under the revised rules, Pakistani nationals who entered India on or before December 31, 2009, with the intention of settling permanently may receive an exemption from the usual passport renewal requirements.
This provision applies to individuals who cannot renew their Pakistani travel documents because they do not possess a Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) issued by Pakistan.
However, applicants must fulfil certain conditions. They must not have married or purchased property while living in Pakistan. All family members they left behind when moving to India must be Indian citizens. They must also give an undertaking that they will not return to Pakistan.
In addition, applicants must not have any adverse police or security report against them.
Relief for Certain People of Indian Origin
The amendment also covers certain people of Indian origin who acquired Malaysian or Singaporean citizenship and returned to India on or before December 31, 2009, using passports issued by those countries.
This exemption applies to individuals whose passports have expired and could not be renewed because they do not meet the renewal requirements of the respective countries.
For this provision, a person of Indian origin means a foreign national who is not a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Nepal or China and who previously held an Indian passport.
The definition also includes individuals whose parents, grandparents or great-grandparents were born in India and permanently resided in territories covered by the Government of India Act, 1935, or areas that subsequently became part of India, provided they were never citizens of the countries excluded under the notification.
Visa Requirements and Travel Rules for India, Nepal and Bhutan
People covered under the three specified exemption categories must apply for the appropriate visa if they wish to continue staying in India.
The notification also allows citizens of India, Nepal and Bhutan travelling directly between these neighbouring countries by road or air to use identity documents specified in the government’s official Visa Manual instead of a regular passport.
However, this relaxation comes with certain restrictions. Indian citizens travelling to or from a country other than Nepal or Bhutan through the India-Nepal or India-Bhutan border must carry a valid passport. They must also use designated immigration checkpoints to enter or leave India.
Similarly, citizens of Nepal and Bhutan travelling to or from India through China, Macau, Hong Kong or Pakistan must possess both a valid passport and a valid visa. Regular passport requirements will also apply when they cross territorial borders while travelling to or from third countries.
Exemption for Minority Communities From Three Countries
The amended order also provides exemptions to members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
The provision covers individuals who were forced to leave their countries because of religious persecution, or fear of such persecution, and entered India on or before December 31, 2024.
This relaxation also applies to people who entered India without valid passports or other travel documents, as well as those whose documents have since expired.
However, individuals covered under this provision must obtain the appropriate visa to continue their stay in India.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and summarises the provisions described in the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) (Amendment) Order, 2026. Eligibility depends on the specific conditions mentioned in the official notification. Individuals seeking an exemption or planning to travel or remain in India should consult the relevant government authorities and verify the latest rules before taking any action.