Immigration and Foreigners Exemption Order 2025
The recent Immigration and Foreigners Exemption Order 2025 issued by the Centre has provided significant relief to the Matua community in Bengal. This new order allows members of minority communities, including Hindus, who entered India before December 31, 2024, to apply for Indian citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
Order Provisions
- This order benefits minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, specifically Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians.
- The order includes those who entered India due to religious persecution on or before December 31, 2024.
- It applies to those without valid documents or with expired valid documents.
Political Implications
- The order is expected to influence political dynamics ahead of the 2026 assembly polls in Bengal.
- Previously, CAA restricted eligibility only to those who arrived by December 31, 2014.
Reactions and Concerns
- Critics like Trinamool MP Saket Gokhale argue that a parliamentary amendment is required to change the CAA cut-off date.
- There are reports of increased persecution of Hindus and Matuas in Bangladesh from 2014 to 2024, especially after political unrest in 2024.
Community Impact
- The order addresses long-standing demands from the Matua community, who have faced uncertainty about their future in India.
- Mahitosh Baidya, general secretary of the All India Matua Mahasangha, highlighted the increased persecution of the community in Bangladesh.
