The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on Tuesday went live with the launch of the portal a day after the Government of India officially issued a notification on it. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said that the implementation of CAA would enable minorities persecuted on religious grounds in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan to get citizenship in India. The implementation of CAA has divided the country as the opposition is boycotting it including Kerala CM saying that it won't be implemented in 'God's Own Country'. On the other hand, Delhi CM Kejriwal has asked the government how will they settle Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan's minorities when there is a lack of jobs and opportunities. Keeping the controversies aside, the question arises how to apply for Indian Citizenship under CAA? Below is a step-by-step guide-
How to apply for Indian Citizenship under CAA?
People who want to apply for Indian citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019, one will have to visit the website indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in. The status of the application can be tracked through the website. The final outcome will be informed through email and SMS. Applicants need to log in to the citizenship portal using their personal email ID and mobile number. They will then need to fill out the online form, upload the required documents, and pay a fee.
Notably, the Government of India has also published FAQs on CAA and on how to apply for Indian Citizenship. To be precise, Indian citizenship will be granted to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Christians, Buddhists and Parsis who had migrated to India before December 31, 2014.
FAQs on CAA
1) I am a foreigner and want to acquire Indian citizenship. How and where should I apply to acquire Indian Citizenship?
Answer- The application from the person covered under the CAA will have to be made under section 6B of the Citizenship Act, 1955. This application will be available online at https://indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in and on mobile application namely CAA-2019.
2) Who is eligible to apply for Indian citizenship under CAA, 2019?
Answer- Persons belonging to Hindu or Sikh or Buddhist or Jain or Parsi or Christian community from Afghanistan or Bangladesh or Pakistan, and –
(i) Who entered into India on or before 31.12.2014; and
(ii) Who has been exempted by or under section 3(2)(c) of the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 or from the application of the provisions of the Foreigners Act, 1946 or any rule or order made thereunder.
3) What are the steps involved in processing of citizenship application under CAA, 2019?
Answer- After the applicant has submitted the form online, the form will be scrutinised by the District Level Committee (DLC). Post scrutinization of form, the DLC will intimate to the applicant through e-mail/SMS, the date and time on which the applicant would be expected to visit the DLC in person along with originals of all the documents attached with the application for verification.
Upon scrutiny/verification, if the documents are found in order, the Designated Officer will administer “Oath of Allegiance” to the applicant who has applied for grant of citizenship by registration under Section 5 or naturalisation under Section 6. However, if there is any deficiency in documents, the District Level Committee may ask the applicant to provide the same. In case applicant fails to appear in person to subscribe the application and take oath of allegiance despite giving reasonable opportunities, the DLC may forward such application to EC for consideration of refusal.
The applicant can bring the required documents on subsequent date for verification. Oath of Allegiance for registration (Section 5) or naturalisation (Section 6) will be administered only after it is confirmed that all requisite documents have been submitted by the applicant. The Designated Officer will certify on the online system that documents are verified/seen in original. The District Level Committee shall also upload the “oath of allegiance” administered, in the online system and forward the application in electronic form along with confirmation regarding verification of documents to the Empowered Committee.
The Empowered Committee will scrutinise the application and on being satisfied after making such inquiry as it considers necessary and based on the report of the security agency, the Empowered Committee may approve/reject the application for the citizenship of India.
The applicant who has applied for grant of citizenship by registration or naturalisation will be issued a digital certificate of registration. Ink signed copy of the certificate of registration or naturalisation will be issued only if the applicant has opted for the same at the application stage and this will have to be collected by the applicant from the office of the Empowered Committee i.e. the office of the Director (Census Operations) of the State/Union Territory concerned located in the State/ UT capital.