The Delhi Police has clarified proof of Indian citizenship, stating that Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and ration cards will no longer be considered valid. Instead, only a Voter ID card or an Indian passport will be accepted as proof of nationality. This decision comes after authorities noticed a significant number of foreign nationals falsely claiming Indian citizenship using these documents, particularly individuals from Bangladesh and Rohingya communities. The move is part of a broader effort to strengthen verification procedures and prevent identity fraud.
During a verification campaign initiated in October last year, officials discovered that many illegal immigrants possessed Aadhaar cards, ration cards, PAN cards, and even UNHCR-issued refugee cards, making it challenging to determine their citizenship status. To combat this issue, the Delhi Police has directed Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) to conduct intensified surveillance and verification drives across the city. Furthermore, authorities have stated that UNHCR refugee status is not legally binding in India, meaning foreign nationals living without valid travel documents face deportation.
The policy change also includes new actions against Pakistani nationals residing in Delhi. Reports indicate that approximately 3,500 Pakistani citizens currently live in the capital, with over 400 individuals having already returned to Pakistan following government directives. Additionally, the central government has moved to cancel visas issued to Pakistani nationals, except for those holding medical, diplomatic, or long-term visas (LTVS). The heightened scrutiny reflects India's commitment to regulating its foreign population and ensuring adherence to legal immigration processes.
Government officials have reiterated that documents like Aadhaar and PAN cards only serve identity verification and taxation purposes and do not confirm nationality. Likewise, ration cards are primarily intended for accessing subsidised food, not for proving citizenship. To formally establish Indian nationality, individuals must possess either a Voter ID card or an Indian passport, which are now the sole recognised documents for verifying citizenship status in Delhi. With these new measures, authorities aim to strengthen border security and uphold legal residency requirements across the country.