The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) of 2019 has generated significant interest and discussion. India’s Ministry of Home Affairs has recently launched an online portal to streamline the citizenship application process for eligible individuals under the CAA. In this article, we’ll guide you through the CAA portal, eligibility requirements, the application process, and important considerations.
Who is Eligible for Indian Citizenship Under the CAA?
The CAA provides a way for people from Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, or Christian communities who came from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan to become Indian citizens if they meet certain criteria:
- Entered India on or before December 31, 2014.
- Have been granted exemption under the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, or the Foreigners Act of 1946.
CAA online portal 2024 Highlights
| Highlight | Details |
| Scheme Name | Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019 Online Portal |
| Launched By | Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India |
| Launch Date | March 12 2024 |
| Benefits | * Streamlined citizenship application process for eligible individuals |
| * Potential path to Indian citizenship | |
| * Reduced paperwork and potential for faster processing | |
| Beneficiaries | Individuals belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, or Christian communities who: * Originated from Afghanistan, Pakistan, or Bangladesh * Entered India on or before December 31, 2014 * Meet exemption requirements under Indian laws |
| Official Website | https://indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in/ |
Required Documents
Documents Proving Country of Origin
- Copy of passport issued by the governments of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan
- Registration Certificate or Residential Permit issued by the FRRO/FRO in India
- Birth certificate, school certificate, or educational certificate issued in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan
- Any government-issued ID, license, or certificate from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan
- Land or tenancy records in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan
- Any document establishing a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent’s citizenship in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan
- Any other relevant document issued by a government authority in these countries
The Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024 under the CAA-2019 have been notified. A new portal has been launched, persons eligible under CAA-2019 can apply for citizenship on this portal https://t.co/Z0BFTYJi8t. (1/2)@HMOIndia @PIB_India @DDNewslive @airnewsalerts
— Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) March 12, 2024
Documents Proving Entry into India Before December 31, 2014
- Copy of Indian visa and immigration stamp
- Registration Certificate or Residential Permit issued by the FRRO/FRO in India
- Census Enumerator’s slip
- Any Indian government-issued license, certificate, or permit (e.g., Driving License, Aadhaar Card)
- Indian Ration Card
- Government or court letter with an official stamp
- Indian birth certificate
- Land records, rental agreements in India
- PAN Card
- Any document issued by Central, State government, PSU, or financial institution
- Bank or post office account records
- Indian insurance policies
- Utility bills
- Indian court records
- Indian employment records with EPF/GPF
- ESIC documents
- Indian school leaving or academic certificates
- Municipal trade license
- Marriage certificate
Important Note: Even expired documents are admissible. The primary purpose is to establish your origin and entry into India before the cut-off date.
How to Apply for Citizenship Under CAA
- Visit the Indian Citizenship Online portal: https://indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in/
- Click on “Click to Submit Application for Indian Citizenship Under CAA 2019”.
- Enter your mobile number and CAPTCHA code.
- Proceed to the next page and enter your email ID, name, and CAPTCHA.
- Submit and verify the OTPs sent to your email and mobile.
- Log in, complete the verification steps, and click “Click Here to Initiate Fresh Application”.
- Provide details about your background, pre-2014 residence, origin, and duration of stay.
What Happens After Your Application
- The District Level Committee will examine your application.
- You’ll need to take an oath of allegiance after document verification.
- The signed oath and verified documents are forwarded to the Empowered Committee.
- If you fail to appear for the oath, your application may be considered for refusal.
What if I Don’t Have All the Documents?
The Centre may accept alternative forms of valid or expired documents. FRRO/FRO certificates in India are also valid. Consult the portal or relevant authorities for specific guidance in your case.
Conclusion
The goal of the CAA online portal 2024 is to make the citizenship application process smoother for those who are eligible. It’s important to grasp the requirements, the steps involved, and what resources are available to ensure your application goes smoothly.
The government assures that the CAA does not affect the rights of existing citizens or the legal path to citizenship for any foreigner.
No, the CAA excludes areas under the Sixth Schedule and the Inner Line Permit system to protect the indigenous populations of Northeastern states.
