Here is a list of FAQs on the CAA and what it means for various sections of people. In an earlier story on Factly, we explained what the Citizenship Act is and how an individual can acquire Indian citizenship. The story also looked at the amendment made to the act this year. This story takes a look at some frequently asked questions pertaining to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). In the subsequent story, we would address some questions related to the National Register of Citizens (NRC). What is the CAA all about? According to the CAA,Hindus, Sikhs, Parsis, Jains, Christians and Buddhists who entered India fromAfghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh on or before 31 December 2014 will not beconsidered as illegal migrants. Since CAA only exempts persons from these 6religions & 3 countries, migrants in India who do not belong to thosereligions and countries will be deemed illegal if they do not have validdocuments or have overstayed in India. At the same time, CAA is not directlyrelated to Indian citizens. What are the benefits they get under CAA? Under the CAA, the period of stay for naturalisation has also been reduced to six years (5 years plus one year before the application) for persons from the 6 religions & 3 countries. People belonging to other religions such as Muslims from these countries can apply for citizenship in India but they should have lived in the country for 12 years (11 years plus one year before the application). However, those who are deemed illegal migrants will not be eligible to apply for citizenship. Does the law favour only persecuted religious minorities from the three countries? In the CAA, it has not been explicitly mentioned that the law is for those minorities who have been persecuted on religious grounds. However, the object of the bill states that the amendment was made to help the religious minorities who faced persecution in the three countries on the grounds of religion. Reference has also been made in the CAA to Passport (Entry to India) Act of 1920 and rules made under the same. The Passport (Entry into India) Rules was altered by the Central Government in 2015 exempting religious minorities- Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains, Hindus, Parsis and Christians from Pakistan and Bangladesh, who were forced to come to India due to religious persecution prior to 2015, from being considered as illegal migrants. This was further amended in July 2016 to include those from Afghanistan also. Is it not possible for other foreigners to apply for citizenship? CAA does not deny other foreigners from applying for citizenship. Any foreigner who has valid documents such as passport, visa and other documents which have been notified by the government of India, can apply for citizenship. However, it is mandatory that the person applying has lived in India for 11+1 years (as explained in the earlier story). Religious minorities from other countries too can apply for citizenship provided they qualify as per the criteria notified by the government. But as explained earlier, those deemed illegal migrants will not be able to apply for citizenship except the ones from the 6 religious minorities from the 3 countries. Foreigners whowish to stay in India for more than 180 days should have Long Term Visas (LTV).The government has also made provisions to provide Long Term Visas to those who come toIndia from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh seeking permanent settlement. However, thoseMuslim migrants in India and those from other countries who have not beencovered under CAA and do not possess necessary documents will not be able toapply for citizenship unless the government decides to consider their case inspecific (like in the case of Sri Lankan Tamils). For those who claim to be refugees, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a standard operating procedure to be followed before granting them an LTV. What about persecuted religious minorities other neighbouring countries? The minorities from other countries including Baluchis, Rohingayas and Ahmediyas can apply for citizenship if they fulfil the criteria mentioned in the Citizenship act. According to the Parliamentary Joint Committee report, the standard operating procedure issued by the government on 29 December 2011 should be adhered to for refugees/ persecuted minorities from other countries. However, as seenearlier, those who do not possess valid documents will not be eligible toapply. What is the need for CAA? The object of thebill states that the religious minorities from the six religions have beenfacing persecution on grounds of religion.