“The Centre Launches New Portal for Indian Citizenship Applications under CAA: Key Updates and Guidelines Released by Ministry of Home Affairs
On March 12, 2024, the Centre introduced a dedicated website for individuals seeking to obtain citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has concurrently outlined the protocols for its implementation. Eligible individuals include Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, Christians, or individuals from Bangladesh and Afghanistan who arrived in India before December 31, 2014. They can now pursue Indian citizenship under the CAA provisions without the necessity of possessing a valid passport from their country of origin or a valid visa issued by India. The issuance of the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024 under the CAA-2019 has been duly notified.”
CAA Portal for Indian Citizenship 2024
The Citizenship Amendment Act of 2019 delineates a specific provision for the submission of applications for Indian citizenship. This provision is exclusively applicable to individuals who entered India on or before December 31, 2014, and belong to the Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, or Parsi communities originating from Bangladesh, Afghanistan, or Pakistan. For more detailed information, individuals can refer to the provisions outlined in the Citizenship Act of 1955. To initiate the application process, applicants must possess a unique email address and mobile number. They can proceed by accessing the “click to submit application for Indian Citizenship under CAA 2019” button and connecting with their own email address and mobile number.
indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in Registration Details in Highlights
| Name of the Scheme | CAA Portal |
|---|---|
| Launched by | Indian Government |
| Launched on | March 12, 2024 |
| Department | Ministry of Home Affairs |
| Objective | Granting Indian citizenship to refugees |
| who sought shelter in India before Dec 31, 2014 | |
| Mode | Online |
| Beneficiaries | Individuals eligible under CAA-2019 |
| Benefit | Attainment of Indian citizenship |
| Official Website | https://indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in/ |
Objectives of CAA Portal
Individuals who have faced persecution based on their religious beliefs in Afghanistan, Pakistan, or Bangladesh are eligible to apply for Indian citizenship through the Ministry of Home Affairs’ (MHA) website, accessible at https://indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in. The six minority communities specifically targeted for persecution include Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Hindus.
Features of CAA Portal for Indian Citizenship
The guidelines outlining the implementation of the CAA state that any document validating an applicant’s nationality will be considered sufficient if it proves that their parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent was born in Afghanistan, Pakistan, or Bangladesh. Additionally, it asserts that a certificate from an elected local body member can serve as a substitute for a visa.
The need for a residence permit from India and a passport from Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Afghanistan has effectively been abolished by these regulations. Instead, proof of citizenship can be provided through various documents such as birth certificates, educational institution certificates, any form of identity document, licenses or certificates, land or tenancy records, or any other official document issued by these countries certifying the applicant’s nationality.
Moreover, documents indicating that one or more of the applicant’s parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were citizens of these countries are also deemed acceptable. These records will continue to be admissible even after their expiration date.
Documents Required
Below are the necessary documents for the CAA Portal:
- Passport-sized photograph.
- Mobile number.
- Copy of passport issued by the governments of Pakistan, Afghanistan, or Bangladesh.
- Birth certificate.
- Any identity document, land or tenancy records, or any other document indicating that either the applicant’s parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were citizens of one of the three countries. These documents will remain acceptable even after their validity has expired, as per the requirements.
To qualify, applicants must also provide evidence of their entry into India before December 31, 2014. This can be demonstrated through an immigration stamp and visa, a registration certificate from the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO), a slip from an Indian census enumerator, or a government-issued document such as an Indian driving license, Aadhaar number, ration card, or marriage certificate.
Furthermore, candidates are required to furnish an eligibility certificate from a reputable community institution in their area confirming their membership in the “Hindu/Sikh/Buddhist/Jain/Parsi/Christian community” and their ongoing membership, as stipulated by the requirements.
Eligibility Criteria for CAA Portal
Ensure you meet the following eligibility criteria before applying on the CAA Portal:
- Persecuted minorities including Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi, and Christian communities are eligible to apply.
- Communities originating from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who arrived in India on or before December 31, 2014, are eligible to apply.
How to Apply for Indian Citizenship on CAA Portal
To apply for the CAA Portal, follow these steps:
- Visit the official website of the CAA Portal.
- On the homepage, select the option ‘Click to Submit Application for Indian Citizenship Under CAA, 2019.’
- Fill in all the necessary details accurately, including your mobile number and email ID.
- Proceed by clicking on the ‘continue’ option.
- Upload the required documents.
- Save the completed application form in PDF format for future reference.
Contact Information
For further inquiries, please contact:
Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium,
Near Pragati Maidan, New Delhi-110001
Email: support[dot]ctznoci[at]mha[dot]gov[dot]in
Phone: +91-11-23070167
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How can I apply to become an Indian citizen as a foreigner?
To apply for Indian citizenship, visit www.indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in, the MHA website. Determine your eligibility under Sections 5 and 6 of the Citizenship Act, 1955 by completing the online form, uploading necessary documents, and paying the required fee. - Where should I send my hard copy application for citizenship?
Print out the completed online application form and submit it to the district collector, district magistrate, or deputy commissioner of your regular residence. If you are not residing in India, send the application to the Indian Consular General. - How long does it take to become a citizen of India?
After submitting the application to the District Collector’s office, it will be processed according to Rule 12 of the 2009 Citizenship Rules within the specified timeline. The Central Government or the appropriate authority will decide the course of action based on the adequacy of documentation provided and security clearance availability.
