Long-Term Visas (LTVs): 5 Vital Facts About Easy Eligibility in India

What are Long-Term Visas (LTVs)?

The Union Home Ministry issued an order last week exempting undocumented Sri Lankan Tamil refugees who entered India before January 9, 2015, from penal provisions under the Foreigners Act, 1946.

• This order removes their tag as “illegal migrants”, but does not make them eligible for Long-Term Visas (LTVs).
• Long-Term Visas (LTVs) are an important pathway for obtaining Indian citizenship, although currently, Sri Lankan Tamils are not eligible to apply.
• They can, however, apply for citizenship directly under the Citizenship Act, 1955, through registration or naturalization, if they fulfill the required criteria.

Key Points: Long-Term Visas (LTVs)

Beneficiaries:

• Sri Lankan Tamil refugees who entered India before January 9, 2015.
• Registered with government authorities.

Union Home Ministry’s Decision:

• Exempted from punishment under the Foreigners Act.
• Classified as non-illegal migrants, but no LTV eligibility granted.

Impact on Citizenship:

• LTV holders are usually considered for naturalization and eventual citizenship.
• In the absence of LTV, Sri Lankan Tamils are required to apply for citizenship directly, which involves more stringent requirements.

Existing Legal Provision:

Under the 1955 Citizenship Act, a foreign national is eligible to apply for Indian citizenship.

• Registration (e.g., if married to an Indian citizen or having Indian origin).
• Naturalization (after a specified period of residence).

About Long-Term Visa (LTV):

• Definition: A visa granted to foreign nationals who face religious persecution or are minority communities from neighboring countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
• Duration: 1 to 5 years, renewable.
• Issued By: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Purpose of LTVs:

• Provide legal residency status to persecuted minorities.
• A step towards naturalization and eventual Indian citizenship.
• Access to limited social, educational, and employment benefits.

Eligibility for LTV:

• Religious minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, Christians).
• Entered India on or before December 31, 2014.
• Facing religious persecution in their home country.
• Sri Lankan Tamils are not covered under this category.

Types of Visas in India: