No Need a Passport to Live in India

Who Needs a Passport to Live in India? New Rules for Foreign Nationals and Minority Communities

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has recently issued the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) Order 2025, introducing important changes to passport and foreign registration rules. These changes affect foreign nationals from neighboring countries and minority communities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, ensuring legal clarity and easier residency procedures.

Foreign Nationals from Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet

According to the new order, individuals who arrived in India from Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet between 1959 and 30 May 2003 are required to register with a Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO). Once registered, they can legally reside in India without a passport.

It is important to note that this exemption does not apply to Nepali and Bhutanese nationals coming from China, Macau, Hong Kong, and Pakistan. Citizens arriving from these countries must follow standard passport and visa rules.

Minority Communities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh

The MHA has also revised passport rules for minority communities arriving from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. Individuals belonging to Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, and Parsi communities who migrated to India before 31 December 2024 are allowed to stay in India without a passport. This amendment provides legal recognition and security of stay for these vulnerable communities.

Who Still Needs a Passport?

Despite these exemptions, the following groups still require a valid passport to live in India:

• Foreign nationals from any country not covered by the exemptions.
• Nepali and Bhutanese citizens arriving from China, Macau, Hong Kong, and Pakistan.
• Individuals arriving in India after the cutoff dates specified in the exemptions.

Key Takeaways

• Foreign nationals from Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet (arrived 1959–2003) can stay without a passport after FRO registration.
• Minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh (Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi) arriving before 31 December 2024 do not need a passport.
• All others must comply with standard passport and visa regulations.

This recent order by the MHA simplifies residency procedures for long-term residents and vulnerable minority communities while maintaining legal clarity for all foreign nationals.