CM Stalin Appeals to PM Modi for Streamlined Citizenship Process for Lankan Tamils
In a significant move, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the Union government to simplify the citizenship and long-term visa procedures for Lankan Tamils residing in India. The letter, dated Sunday, highlights the prolonged legal uncertainties faced by this community and calls for a more humanitarian approach.
Request to Waive Passport and Visa Requirements
Stalin has specifically requested the waiver of passport and visa requirements for Lankan Tamils seeking citizenship or long-term visas in India. Instead, he proposed that the Union government consider applications based on verified identity documentation issued by the Tamil Nadu government, where appropriate. This step aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and expedite the processing of cases.
Designated District-Level Authorities
To ensure a streamlined process, Stalin suggested granting appropriate powers to designated district-level authorities. This would facilitate faster and more efficient handling of applications, addressing the backlog and providing clarity to the affected individuals.
Humanitarian and Constitutional Concerns
Pointing out that nearly 89,000 Lankan Tamils continue to reside in Tamil Nadu, Stalin emphasized that the refugee issue is of profound humanitarian, constitutional, and national importance. Many of these individuals have lived in India for over 30 years, with nearly 40% born in the country. They have integrated into Indian society, living with dignity, discipline, and deep cultural affinity for more than four decades.
Clarification on Legal Status
Stalin also sought clarification on a September 2025 order from the Ministry of Home Affairs, which exempted Lankan Tamils who took shelter in India before January 9, 2015, from penal provisions. He requested the Union government to issue a formal clarification that these individuals should not be treated as illegal migrants, thereby alleviating their legal uncertainties.
Advisory Panel Findings and Eligibility
To address this issue, the Tamil Nadu government constituted an advisory panel, which identified several categories of Lankan Tamils eligible for regularization under existing legal provisions. These include:
- Those born in India before June 30, 1987.
- Those born to at least one Indian parent.
- Spouses of Indian citizens.
- Persons of Indian origin with documentary proof.
Citing the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) Order, 2025, Stalin argued that there is scope for a more humanitarian approach to resolve the long-standing plight of Lankan Tamils in India. The move aims to provide them with legal stability and access to rights, ending decades of uncertainty.
