Gujarat’s 185 Pakistani Refugees Acquire Indian Citizenship

• 185 displaced Pakistani refugees were officially recognized as Indian citizens under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019.

• The recognition marks the end of years of uncertainty for these refugees, many of whom have been living in Gujarat’s Rajkot, Morbi, and Kutch districts without formal citizenship status.

• The recipients included men, women, and children who migrated from Pakistan due to religious persecution and lack of security.

• Many of the recipients are from Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities, identified under the CAA as eligible for naturalisation.

• The Union government is committed to standing with those who have suffered due to religious discrimination in neighbouring countries.

• The Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the implementation of the CAA, calling it a step that has saved lives and restored identity.

• Local officials are directed to ensure that details of the new citizens are seamlessly integrated into the existing administrative system to help them become eligible for government schemes related to education, healthcare, housing, and livelihood.