India has tightened citizenship rules for Afghan migrants seeking nationality under the Citizenship Amendment Act of 2019. The Ministry of Home Affairs says applicants must declare details of all valid or expired Afghan passports in their possession, and those granted Indian citizenship must surrender their Afghan passports within 15 days since India does not recognise dual citizenship. The changes come after officials cited cases in which applicants held Afghan passports while applying for Indian nationality. Under the 2019 act, fast track citizenship is available to non Muslim minorities from Afghanistan including Sikhs, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians and Zoroastrians who entered India before 2015 after facing persecution. Since the Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021, many Afghan Sikhs and other minorities have fled to India and other countries seeking refuge. The policy aims to tighten vetting and prevent foreign passports from being retained by newcomers. Practical implications include collecting comprehensive passport histories, meeting tight deadlines, and navigating issues around expired or lost passports. Critics warn that the rules could lead to unintended harms such as bureaucratic hurdles and potential statelessness for those who cannot surrender in time, while proponents say the rules help prevent fraud and ensure clear citizenship records. The move also raises questions about equal protection given that the CAA focuses on non Muslim minorities; debates continue over humanitarian obligations toward Afghan refugees and national sovereignty. Opinion: The policy underscores how immigration and naturalization are deeply political, balancing security with humanitarian protection. While curbing fraud is reasonable, the 15-day deadline risks placing vulnerable applicants in precarious situations and could deter some from pursuing citizenship through legitimate means. A more balanced approach would extend deadlines, provide clear remedies for those with travel or document challenges, and publish detailed guidelines to ensure due process and avoid unintended statelessness. Policymakers should also consider transitional measures for expired documents and ensure robust oversight against misuse.
Source: Statement from @AfghanTimes7
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Published: May 19, 2026, 11:52 pm
Editorial Note: This article is based on publicly available information and official statements. We strives for accuracy and fairness in all reporting.
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