The Home Ministry has announced that Sri Lankan Tamil refugees who entered India before January 9, 2015, will be exempted from certain penal provisions under the Foreigners Act. This move is seen as a significant humanitarian step aimed at addressing the long-standing concerns of refugees living in the country for decades.
Officials clarified that the exemption applies only to those who arrived before the specified date and have been residing in India since then. The decision is expected to benefit thousands of refugees currently staying in camps across Tamil Nadu and other states.
The government has emphasized that the measure reflects India’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities while ensuring security protocols remain intact. Further guidelines regarding documentation and verification are likely to be issued soon.