Sun Sep 07 18:00:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued an order exempting registered Sri Lankan Tamil refugees who entered India before January 9, 2015, from certain penal provisions under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. However, a senior government official clarified that this exemption does not make them eligible for long-term visas (LTVs), a step towards Indian citizenship. While other refugee groups, such as certain religious minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, are eligible for LTVs, Sri Lankan Tamils are excluded. This decision contradicts recommendations from a Tamil Nadu government advisory committee that advocated for granting LTVs to Sri Lankan Tamils. Activists note that despite this limitation, the MHA’s notification offers some protection to these refugees, preventing them from being branded as illegal immigrants or facing forced deportation. The MHA’s stance remains focused on eventual repatriation, despite organized repatriation efforts ceasing in 1995.

**News Article:**

**Sri Lankan Tamil Refugees in India Granted Protection, Face Continued Citizenship Hurdles**

**New Delhi, September 7, 2025** – In a move offering some reprieve, the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has exempted registered Sri Lankan Tamil refugees who arrived in India before January 9, 2015, from certain penal provisions under the new Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. However, a government official confirmed that this exemption does not pave the way for long-term visas (LTVs), a crucial step towards Indian citizenship.

The MHA’s recent notification removes the “illegal migrant” tag for these refugees, many of whom have been residing in India for decades after fleeing conflict in Sri Lanka. According to MHA figures, over 300,000 Sri Lankan refugees have sought refuge in India since 1983.

While the exemption shields them from potential penalties under immigration laws, it falls short of providing a pathway to citizenship. Other refugee groups, including religious minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, are eligible for LTVs, potentially leading to citizenship after 11 years of residence. This disparity has raised concerns among advocacy groups.

“The notification makes India a safe haven…It also protects them from forced expulsion or deportation,” said Antony Arulraj, an activist working with Sri Lankan Tamil refugees since 1990.

This decision comes despite recommendations from a Tamil Nadu government advisory committee, which urged the issuance of LTVs to Sri Lankan Tamils.

The MHA maintains its long-term objective is the eventual repatriation of these refugees, although organized repatriation efforts have been stalled since 1995. As of June 1, 2024, over 90,000 Sri Lankan refugees reside in Tamil Nadu, with a small number in Odisha.

The situation remains complex for Sri Lankan Tamils in India, who continue to face uncertainties regarding their long-term status and integration into Indian society.

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