Minorities on long-stay visas can buy property

In line with its promise to provide relief to refugees from neighbouring nations, the Centre on Wednesday cleared a slew of facilities for members of minority communities living in India on long-term visas, including opening of bank accounts and permission to purchase property. The decisions were taken at a meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The facilities will be offered to persons from the minority communities of Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, namely Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians staying on LTVs in India. “The move is aimed at easing the difficulties being faced by them,” a statement issued after the meeting said. Permission for purchase of property would be granted for self-occupation and for suitable premises for self–employment. The facilities include issue of driving licences, PAN cards and Aadhar numbers.

Free movement within the state/UT of residence, transfer of LTV papers from one state to another, waiver of penalty on non-extension of short-term visas/LTVs on time and permission to apply for LTVs from the place of present residence when the applicants have moved to the place without permission will be granted.