Special Correspondent : India has introduced a new rule for people from Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Pakistan who entered the country without a passport or valid travel documents due to religious persecution.
According to the new Immigration and Foreigners Act-2025, effective from September 1, 2025, members of minority communities (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians) who entered India by December 31, 2024, will be allowed to stay longer without facing any punishment.
Even those whose travel documents expired after entering India will not face legal action.
The order also applies to Nepalese, Bhutanese, and certain Tibetan refugees who entered with special permits in earlier years. However, Nepalese and Bhutanese citizens who travel via China, Macao, Hong Kong, or Pakistan will not get this benefit.
👉 Penalty Rules
For others without exemption:
-
Entering India without a passport/visa: Fine up to ₹5 lakh or jail.
-
Overstaying after visa expiry: Step-by-step fine—
-
Up to 30 days: ₹10,000
-
31–90 days: ₹20,000
-
91–180 days: ₹50,000
-
181 days to 1 year: ₹1,00,000
-
More than 1 year: ₹50,000 per year (max ₹3,00,000)
-
Special lower fines (₹50–₹550) apply to Tibetan monks, Mongolian monks, and long-term visa holders from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.