CAA Registration

The recent implementation of the CAA rules in 2024 has streamlined the application process, allowing eligible individuals from six minority communities – Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians – to apply for Indian citizenship online.

The applicant must submit the application online to the Empowered Committee via the District Level Committee (DLC) chaired by the Designated Officer (DO). To apply for Indian citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) of 2019, individuals can follow these steps:

Visit the Indian citizenship online portal https://indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in and click on “Submit Application For Indian Citizenship under CAA 2019.”
Answer questions about your background and pre-2014 residence.
The District Level Committee verifies documents and administers the oath of allegiance to applicants.
If unable to appear for the oath, applications are forwarded to the Empowered Committee for further consideration.
Required documents include passports, birth certificates, and identity documents from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan.

Documents Required For CAA Registration

The documents required for applying for citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) of 2019 include:

Documents to Prove Nationality from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan:

Copy of the passport issued by the Governments of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan.
Registration Certificate or Residential Permit issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) or Foreigners.
School certificate or Educational certificate issued by the School or College authorities in Bangladesh or Pakistan.
Identity Document issued by the Governments of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan.
Any License or Certificate issued by a Government authority of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan.
Land or tenancy records in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan.
Documents showing ancestry like those of parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan.
Applicants may need to provide documents proving their entry into India before December 31, 2014.

Documents Required With Citizenship Application:

Affidavit affirming application accuracy, along with character affidavit from an Indian citizen.
Declaration of proficiency in one language from Eighth Schedule to Constitution.
Renunciation declaration of current citizenship upon approval.

Eligibility Criteria for CAA Registration

Under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) of 2019, the eligibility criteria for applying for Indian citizenship are as follows:

Eligible Communities: Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Parsis from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who are fleeing persecution or seeking refuge are eligible to apply.
Residence Requirement: Applicants must have arrived in India before December 31, 2014.
Duration of Stay: Individuals must have spent at least 12 months in India preceding the date of application and a total of not less than six years out of the eight years immediately preceding those 12 months.
Person of Indian Origin: Individuals falling under this category can apply for Indian citizenship.
Married to an Indian Citizen: Spouses of Indian citizens are eligible to apply for citizenship.
Minor Child of an Indian Citizen: Children of Indian citizens who are minors can seek citizenship.
Person with Indian Parents: Individuals with at least one parent who is a citizen of India can apply.
Citizen of Independent India: Those who or either of their parents was a citizen of independent India are eligible.
Overseas Citizen of India Cardholder: Individuals registered as Overseas Citizen of India cardholders can seek citizenship.
An application for citizenship by naturalisation, meeting qualifications outlined in the Third Schedule, is submitted using Form VIIA, which includes:
- An affidavit affirming the accuracy of the application’s statements, accompanied by an affidavit from an Indian citizen vouching for the applicant’s character.
- A declaration from the applicant confirming adequate proficiency in one of the languages specified in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Adequate proficiency is demonstrated by the ability to speak, read, or write the language.

Implications of CAA for Refugees in India

The implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has brought about both positive and contentious outcomes for refugees in India:

Granting Indian Citizenship:

The CAA provides a pathway for persecuted non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh to seek Indian citizenship, benefiting around 31,000 persecuted minorities from these countries.

Relief and Hope:

Refugees express gratitude and relief as they anticipate the opportunity to secure Indian citizenship under the CAA, marking an end to their long wait and struggles.

Empowerment and Dignity:

The CAA aims to provide persecuted refugees with a dignified life, protecting their cultural, linguistic, and social identity while ensuring economic rights, free movement, and property purchase rights.

Community Support:

Civil society leaders and organisations have played a crucial role in supporting refugees’ welfare and integration efforts.
It contributes to their journey towards a better future through the prospects of Indian citizenship under the CAA.

CAA Registration – Required Documents and Eligibility Criteria!