AFGHAN SIKHS GRANTED CITIZENSHIP UNDER CAA IN DELHI

Why in the news?

Twenty Afghan Sikhs received Indian citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019, marking a significant milestone for long-term residents seeking refuge and citizenship in India.

AFGHAN SIKHS GRANTED CITIZENSHIP UNDER CAA IN DELHI - UPSCsource:slideshare

About Citizenship Granted to Afghan Sikhs:

  • CAA Citizenship: Twenty Afghan Sikhs, part of the first group to apply online under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019, have received citizenship certificates in New Delhi within the past week.
  • Long-Term Residents: Some applicants arrived as early as 1997 and have been living in India on long-term visas (LTVs).
  • Around 400 Afghan Sikhs have pending citizenship applications under the Citizenship Act, 1955, with many having entered India in 1992.

Shift from 1955 Act to CAA:

  • Application Migration: Many Afghan Sikhs are petitioning the Union Home Ministry to transfer their pending applications from the 1955 Act to the CAA, which offers a faster pathway to citizenship.
  • LTV and Citizenship: LTVs are often a precursor to citizenship. Under the CAA, the role of state government officials is minimised, leading to quicker processing times compared to the 1955 Act.
Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019: Key Points

Purpose and Eligibility:

  • Amendment: CAA 2019 amends the Citizenship Act of 1955.
  • Eligibility: Grants Indian citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan who arrived before December 31, 2014.
  • Illegal Migrants: These communities are no longer considered illegal immigrants.

Relaxation and Exemptions:

  • Residency Requirement: Reduced from 11 years to 6 years for naturalisation.
  • Exemptions: Protected from prosecution under the Foreigners Act, 1946, and Passport Act, 1920.
  • Exclusions: Does not apply to Muslims and certain tribal areas under the Sixth Schedule and “Inner Line” permit areas.

Consequences and OCI Registration:

  • Citizenship Effect: Grants citizenship retroactively to the date of entry into India; legal proceedings for illegal migration are closed.
  • OCI Grounds: Adds a new ground for cancelling Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) registration if the OCI violates a government-notified law.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/union-government-revises-caa-document-requirements/