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178 Important "Citizenship Amendment Act” Questions and its Answers

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I was born in the UK. Both my parents were born in India, then became East Pakistan. At the time of their departure to come to the UK it was East Pakistan, several years later became Bangladesh. 90% of my mum and dad's extended family reside in India. Will I be granted a OCI? What documents will I need, my father is the only one alive and has sylhet on his passport for place of birth, no birth certificate.

The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) scheme is available to individuals who were Indian citizens, or whose parents or grandparents were Indian citizens, at any time. However, the OCI eligibility criteria…

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ഇന്ത്യയില്‍ ഏതു ബാങ്കില്‍ വേണമെങ്കിലും NRI-ക്ക്‌ അക്കൗണ്ട്‌ സൂക്ഷിക്കാന്‍ കഴിയുമോ ?

അംഗീകൃത ഡീലര്‍ ലൈസന്‍സുള്ള ബാങ്കുകള്‍ക്കും (അതായത്‌ ഫോറിന്‍ എക്‌സ്‌ചേഞ്ച്‌ കൈകാര്യം ചെയ്യാന്‍ അധികാരമുള്ള ബാങ്കുകള്‍ ) ഇതിനായി റിസര്‍വ്വ്‌ ബാങ്ക്‌…

NRI-കള്‍ക്കും OCB-കള്‍ക്കും ലഭ്യമായ വിവിധ സൗകര്യങ്ങള്‍ എന്തൊക്കെ ?

NRI -കള്‍ക്കും OCB -കള്‍ക്കും താഴെപ്പറയുന്ന സൗകര്യങ്ങള്‍ അനുവദിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ട്‌. (i) ഇന്ത്യയില്‍ ബാങ്ക്‌ അക്കൗണ്ട്‌ നടത്തിക്കൊണ്ടു പോകുക ; (ii) ഇന്ത്യന്‍ കമ്പനികളുടെയും…

OCB -കള്‍ തങ്ങളില്‍ NRI-കള്‍ക്ക്‌ ഉടമസ്ഥതയോ താല്‍പര്യങ്ങളോ ഉണ്ടെന്നതിനു സാക്ഷ്യപത്രം ഹാജരാക്കേണ്ടതുണ്ടോ ?

ഉണ്ട്‌. NRI-കള്‍ക്ക്‌ ഏതെങ്കിലും OCB-യില്‍ 60 ശതമാനത്തില്‍ കുറയാത്ത ഉടമസ്ഥതയും ആദായകരമായ താല്‍പര്യങ്ങളുമുണ്ടെന്നു സ്ഥാപിക്കാന്‍ ബന്ധപ്പെട്ട സ്ഥാപനമോ ട്രസ്‌റ്റോ ഒരു വിദേശ…

ആരാണ്‌ ഒരു നോണ്‍ റെസിഡന്റ്‌ ഇന്ത്യന്‍ (എന്‍.ആര്‍.ഐ)?

ഉദ്യോഗസംബന്ധമായി വിദേശത്തു പാര്‍ക്കുകയോ, ബിസിനസ്സോ തൊഴിലോ ചെയ്യുന്നതിനു വേണ്ടി ഇന്ത്യയ്‌ക്കു പുറത്തു താമസിക്കുകയോ സാഹചര്യങ്ങളുടെ വെളിച്ചത്തില്‍ അനിശ്ചിത കാലത്തേക്ക്‌ വിദേശത്തു കഴിയണമെന്ന…

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Is it true that NPR is a first step for National Citizen Register(NRC) which will be used in conjuction with CAA?

Several state governments have stalled work on the NPR, alleging that it’s the first step toward a National Register of Citizens (NRC), which will be used in conjunction with the Citizenship Amendment…

What all details should be given for NPR?

Details such as name, date of birth, sex, marital status, educational qualification, occupational activity, father and mother’s name, nationality (as declared) are among the questions asked for…

On what grounds PIO Card can be Cancelled?

(a) the PIO Card was obtained by fraud, false representation or the concealment of any material fact; or (b) the PIO cardholder has shown himself by act or speech to be disaffected towards the Constitution…

What are the provisions for the issue of a Duplicate PIO Card?

In the event of the loss of a PIO Card, a duplicate card may be issued after charging a fee of US$ 100 or equivalent in the local currency, subject to the completion of the other formalities viz. lodging…

What are the benefits of a PIO Cardholder?

The PIO cardholders are entitled to the following benefits: i. Multiple entries, multi-purpose visa for visiting India. PIO Card itself is treated as a Visa; ii. No separate Student/Employment/Business…

What is the Validity of the PIO Card?

The PIO Card will have a validity of 15 years subjected to the condition that a valid Passport accompanies it.

What is the Fee for PIO Card?

A fee of Indian Rupees 15,000 or equivalent in local foreign currency shall be payable along with the application. The fee for a PIO Card for a child up to the age of 18 Years will be Rs. 7,500 (or, it's…

What are the Documents to be relied upon to get PIO Card?

i. Indian Passport/travel document of the applicant or either of his/her parents or grandparents or great grandparents. ii. Proof of previous Indian nationality of the applicant or either of his/her parents…

What is Eligibility for getting the PIO Card?

Every person of Indian origin who is a citizen of another country, NOT being a citizen of any country that may be specified by the Government of India from time to time, will be eligible to apply for…

What is NPR really?

While similar to a Census that is conducted under the Census Act to determine population figures, trends and so on, the NPR is a Register of Citizenship. Criteria for inclusion and exclusion, therefore,…

Is there more information on NPR?

An archived website of the government states that the creation of the National Population Register (NPR) is the first step towards the preparation of the NRIC.

Is the MHA Gazette notification of July 31, 2019, therefore the start of the Implementation of an all India NRC?

The Preparation of NRC has been specified (as mentioned above) in Rule 4 of Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003. The initiation of NRC is specified…

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How much will NPR cost the exchequer?

According to the government’s official answer in the Lok Sabha (winter session 2019), Rs. 3941.35 crore will be spent on updating the National Population Register (NPR) and Rs. 8754.23 crore for…

What if your name does not appear in the final register/list (NRC)?

If you are not registered as a citizen you will be treated as a foreigner and all consequences would follow. These would include being sent to detention camps, being deported, etc.

Will there be Foreigners Tribunals like in Assam to determine contested citizenship?

There is no role of Foreigners Tribunal at least as the law stands today. However, the central government has issued one more notification extending Foreigners Tribunals to all over India. On September…

Does the NPR have any relation with NRC?

Yes, as per the preparation methodology prescribed in Citizenship (Registration of Citizen & Issue of NC) Rules 2003, it is from the NPR that data will be taken for Updation in the Local Register…

What will the government do with the list of citizens?

After this, the NPR will be published as a National Register of Citizens (NRC) and every citizen will be issued national identity cards.

Can one appeal against the Registrar’s order for NPR?

Yes. A person aggrieved by the above orders can appeal in 30 days to the District Registrar of citizenship registration. The District Registrar shall take a final decision after hearing the party…

What are people expected to do during the NPR listing process?

The draft of the local register shall be published for inviting any objection or for the inclusion of any name. Within 30 days individuals have to complain or raise objection spelling out the nature…

How will the process of NPR begin?

Once the house to house enumeration of citizens has begun, (between April – September 2020), citizens are required to engage in the process. Under the 2003 Rules, the sub-district or taluk Registrar…

Who is a “usual resident” in terms of NPR?

A usual resident is defined for the purposes of NPR as a person who has resided in a local area for the past 6 months or more or a person who intends to reside in that area for the next 6 months or more.…

When will NPR be carried out?

NPR will be updated along with the House-listing phase of Census 2021. According to a gazetted notification, the process for this will commence from April 1, 2020, will be concluded on September 30, 2020,…

Who are the authorities which can be contacted for re-Dressel of a complaint or for getting clarification about NPR?

A proper administrative hierarchy has been provided under NPR. At the village level, it is a local village officer, at Tehsil/ Taluk level, it is Tehsildar/ Mamlatdar/ Sub-district officer and at the…

Does a person who has already enrolled with some other Registrar of UIDAI still have to register under NPR?

Yes. Under the NPR, certain processes like the collection of data at the doorstep of the individual by authorized persons, collection of biometrics after following a certain process, authentication through…

What is the connection between NPR and Aadhaar (UID Number)?

The NPR is a register of usual residents. The data collected in NPR after authentication will be sent to UIDAI for de-duplication and the issue of Aadhaar Number. Thus the register will contain three…

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How will the data collected for NPR be authenticated?

The biographic data has been collected by a Government servant at the doorstep of the individual. The biometrics have also been collected in the presence of the government servant after verification of…

Will Identity Cards be issued under the NPR?

A proposal to issue Resident Identity Cards to all usual residents in the NPR of 18 years of age and above is under consideration of the Government. This Card would be a smart Card and would bear the…

Is any payment required for enrolment under NPR?

The enrolment will be done free of cost. No payment of any kind should be made to anybody for this purpose. In case any money is asked for any reason, the matter should be reported to the local authorities.…

Is there any penalty for providing wrong information willfully or otherwise in the NPR?

Providing any false information would attract penalties under Citizenship Rules 2003.

What is to be done if the household has not been covered in the NPR or if the individual has changed residence?

A new form will have to be filled up at the camp. These forms will be verified by the authorities and the individual's details will be captured during the next camp.

What is to be done if an individual misses the enrolment camp for NPR?

Two camps will be held in every local area. If an individual misses the first camp, intimation will be given to attend the second camp. In case the second camp is also missed, the chance will be given…

How will the public know about the enrolment camps for NPR?

Publicity will be made in the local area regarding the duration and location of the enrolment camp for capturing biometrics. Intimation slips will also be distributed house to house before the setting…

What is to be done if the Acknowledgement slip is not available/lost?

The office copy of the Acknowledgement slip will be available at the camp with the officials concerned. The relevant slip will have to be searched out in such cases.

What records will be required to register for NPR?

The individual details have already been collected during house to house visits by the enumerator. An Acknowledgement slip has also been given. This Acknowledgement slip should be carried to the enrolment…

Will Non-Resident Indians (NRI) be a part of the NPR?

By definition, an NRI is not a usual resident of the country. Therefore, they would not be in the NPR till they are non-residents. When they come back to India and take up the usual residence within the…

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What all details will be included in the NPR?

The NPR would have the following details of every usual resident in the country (i) Name of Person, (ii) Relationship to head, (iii) Father’s name, (iv) Mother’s name (v) Spouse’s name…

How a person can be registered in NPR?

During the first phase of Census 2011 (in the month of April 2010-September 2010), enumerators have visited every household and have collected the details required for the NPR in a paper format. These…

Is it necessary to register for the NPR?

It is compulsory for every citizen of the country to register in a National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC) as per Section 14A of the Citizenship Act 1955 as amended in 2004. The NPR is the first step…

What are the procedures to be followed for creating the NPR?

The procedures to be followed for creating the NPR have been laid down in the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003. Rule 3(4): The Central Government…

What are the legal provisions under which the NPR is being created?

The Citizenship Act 1955 was amended in 2004 by inserting Section 14A which provides for the following:- (1) The Central Government may compulsorily register every citizen of India and issue National…

What are the objectives of the NPR?

The objective of the NPR is to create a comprehensive identity database in the country with full identification and other details by registering each and every usual resident in the country. This would…

What is the National Population Register (NPR)?

The National Population Register (NPR) is a Register of the usual residents of the country. It is being prepared at the local (Village level), sub District (Tehsil/Taluk level), District, State and National…

Whether Govt. servants working in Ministry of Defence as IT engineers/civil contractors are entitled for OCI?

No.

Whether foreign military personnel are eligible for grant of OCI?

No, foreign military personnel neither in service nor retired, are entitled for the grant of OCI.

Can an OCI holder undertake Research work in India?

Yes, after getting prior approval/special permission from MHA.

Will the law only give refuge to “persecuted religious minorities”?

While the reason for enactment of Citizenship Amendment Act is to provide a safe haven for persecuted religious minorities in the three Islamic countries, there is no mention of this phrasein the text…

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What is the government’s reasoning for CAA?

The Act has been introduced ostensibly to aid refugees fleeing religious persecution in the three nations. The reason for excluding Muslims from the purview of the act, as stated by Home Minister…

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What documents would qualify for “Any other proof” for evidence of self or parents or grand parents being eligible for grant of an OCI?

Any documentary evidences like a school certificate, Agricultural land ownership certificate, birth certificate etc. by which eligibility may be reasonably ascertained.

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What are the rules for citizenship under CAA?

Appropriate rules under the CAA are being framed. They will operationalise various provisions of the CAA.

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Why is the cut-off date of CAA set as 31st December, 2014?

The government has not provided any justification for this cut-off date. There has been no significant event or incident that has prompted this to be the cut-off date, at best it is arbitrary.

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I was born in the UK. Both my parents were born in India, then became East Pakistan. At the time of their departure to come to the UK it was East Pakistan, several years later became Bangladesh. 90% of my mum and dad's extended family reside in India. Will I be granted a OCI? What documents will I need, my father is the only one alive and has sylhet on his passport for place of birth, no birth certificate.

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Why is there opposition to the CAA Act?

The countrywide protests against the CAA stem not so much from the inclusion of specific religious refugees from the three countries mentioned in the Act, but more from fears that the Act could be the…

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Does the CAA will gradually exclude Indian Muslims from the citizenship of India?

The CAA does not apply to any Indian citizen at all. All Indian citizens enjoy the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of India. CAA is not meant to deprive any Indian citizen of his citizenship.…

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Is it true that NPR is a first step for National Citizen Register(NRC) which will be used in conjuction with CAA?

What is the Validity of the PIO Card?

The PIO Card will have a validity of 15 years subjected to the condition that a valid Passport accompanies it.

Is the MHA Gazette notification of July 31, 2019, therefore the start of the Implementation of an all India NRC?

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How does it benefit Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi and Christian foreigners hailing from these three countries?

If their travel documents like passport and visa are not in order or are not available, they can apply for Indian citizenship if they were persecuted back home. The CAA creates this legal right for such…

What is the Fee for PIO Card?

Have changes been made in process of citizenship by naturalization?

Yes. One of the qualifications for naturalisation is that the person should have been residing in India or been in service of the government throughout the 12 months preceding application for citizenship.…

On what grounds PIO Card can be Cancelled?

Who does the CAA apply to?

It is relevant only for Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi and Christian foreigners, who have migrated from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan into India upto 31.12.2014, on account of persecution faced…

Will illegal Muslim immigrants from these three countries be deported under the CAA?

No, the CAA has absolutely nothing to do with deportation of any foreigner from India. The deportation process of any foreigner irrespective of his religion or country is implemented as per the mandate…

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Whether CAA will be followed by NRC and all migrants except Muslims will be given citizenship and Muslims will be sent to detention camps?

The CAA has nothing to do with NRC. The legal provisions regarding NRC have been part of The Citizenship Act, 1955 since December, 2004. Also, there are specific statutory rules of 2003 to operationalise…

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What does the Citizenship Amendment Act say about illegal migrants?

The Act provides that all illegal migrants belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi or Christian communities hailing from Afghanistan, Bangladesh or Pakistan who entered into India on or before…

How many people are likely to apply for naturalisation under CAA?

With the cut-off date set at December 31 2014, the number of people who will benefit from the amendments stands at 31,313, a figure submitted by the IB during a parliamentary committee hearing on the…

Why is the northeast against CAA?

The opposition to the CAA has been widespread but especially vociferous in the north-eastern states. Assam and Meghalaya saw internet shutdowns and imposition of curfew. The protests took a grim turn…

Will Non-Resident Indians (NRI) be a part of the NPR?

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What are the Documents to be relied upon to get PIO Card?

Will NRI be considered in NRC?

Yes. He/she is eligible for inclusion in NRC updation process.

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Does this mean that Muslims from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan can never get Indian citizenship?

No, the present legal process of acquiring Indian citizenship by any foreigner of any category through Naturalization (Section 6 of the Citizenship Act) or through Registration (Section 5 of the Act)…

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Does the CAA also cover other forms of persecution - on grounds of race, gender, membership of a political or social group, language, ethnicity etc.?

No, the CAA is a very focused law which deals specifically with foreigners of six minority community groups hailing from three neighbouring countries which have their distinct state religion. Any foreigner…

What all will be verified during field verification of NRC?

The documents for proof of citizenship that will be submitted along with the Application Form will be verified by the respective Verification Team designated for each Circle/District. Further you have…

What all details should be given for NPR?

Details such as name, date of birth, sex, marital status, educational qualification, occupational activity, father and mother’s name, nationality (as declared) are among the questions asked for…

Can OCI be granted to a foreign national who is not eligible for OCI, but married to a person who is eligible for OCI?

No,OCI cannot be granted to a foreign national who is not eligible for OCI, but married to a person who is eligible for OCI.

What are the benefits of a PIO Cardholder?

What is National Register of Citizens (NRC)?

As defined by Citizenship Ruples, 2003 “National Register of Indian Citizens” means the register containing details of Indian Citizens living in India and outside India.

What is DLDD*ID in NRC?

When someone’s name is found in the Legacy Data image, but the correspondence digitized record is not found in that case a temporary image ID known as DLDD*ID will be issued. “DLDD* ID”…

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Will I get an identity card after my name is enlisted in NRC?

Issue of identity card is not included in the current phase of updation of NRC. It may happen in the next phase.

What are the advantages of the OCI when compared to PIO card holders?

(i) An OCI is entitled to life-long visa with free travel to India whereas, for a PIO card holder, it is only valid for 15 years. (ii) A PIO cardholder is required to register with local Police authority…

What are the provisions for the issue of a Duplicate PIO Card?

Does the CAA affect any Indian citizen?

No, it has absolutely nothing to do with any Indian citizen in any way. The Indian citizens enjoy fundamental rights conferred on them by the Constitution of India. No statute, including the CAA can abridge…

What is NPR really?

I had applied for NRC updation along with the relevant documents but my name is not in the list. Why? What should I do?

There might be various reasons for your name being not included in the NRC updated list– for example, it might be duplicity of names, incorrect documents etc. In such cases, you may file claim application…

Will there be a nationwide NRC?

Ever since the implementation of the NRC in Assam, there has been a growing demand for its nationwide implementation. Now, many top BJP leaders including Home Minister Amit Shah have proposed that the…

What if your name does not appear in the final register/list (NRC)?

If you are not registered as a citizen you will be treated as a foreigner and all consequences would follow. These would include being sent to detention camps, being deported, etc.

What is Eligibility for getting the PIO Card?

What are the documents accepted to establish linkage with the Legacy data/parents for NRC?

Any government document establishing linkage between parent and child, eg : Birth Certificate.

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What is India’s refugee policy?

India’s current refugee policy is governed by the Foreigners Act of 1946 that does not even use the term “refugee.” Without a clear-cut policy, Indian governments have, over the years,…

How much will NPR cost the exchequer?

According to the government’s official answer in the Lok Sabha (winter session 2019), Rs. 3941.35 crore will be spent on updating the National Population Register (NPR) and Rs. 8754.23 crore for…

How can I be sure that names of illegal migrants or foreigners will not get included in the updated NRC?

Latest IT (Information and Technology) tools are being used in NRC updation to catch fictitious claims of linkages by computerized construction of family tree. Centralized database shall be maintained…

What are the implications of the CAA Act for Muslims who have been living in India?

There are concerns that this fundamental, statutory exclusion could, by manipulation and interpretation also impact those Indian Muslims who have never migrated, have always lived here for generations,…

What are the implications of the CAA law for Muslims who migrated to India?

By implication, or interpretation, all Muslims who seek Indian citizenship by naturalisation (application hitherto made after 12 years residence as migrants/refugees) will not be eligible for grant of…

What documents have to be submitted with the OCI application?

The following documents should be submitted for each applicant: 1. Proof of present citizenship 2. Evidence of self or parents or grand parents, (a)being eligible to become a citizen of India at the time…

Which territories became part of India after 15.08.1947?

The territories which became part of India after 15.08.1947 are: (i) Sikkim 26.04.1975 (ii)Pondicherry…

Can minor children apply for OCI?

Yes, if either of their parents is eligible for OCI.