Category: Humanitarian / Refugee / Asylum Visa
Overview: India, not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, handles asylum and refugee matters primarily through UNHCR recognition or on a case-by-case basis, often granting long-term visas/stay permits to recognized refugees or specific displaced groups for humanitarian reasons.
Eligibility: Individuals fearing persecution must register with UNHCR in India for refugee status. India grants stay permits to UNHCR-recognized refugees or specific groups (e.g., Tibetans, Sri Lankan Tamils) based on humanitarian considerations, not a formal asylum law.
Processing Time: ~730 days
Visa Duration: 12 months
Renewable: Yes
Work Authorisation: Not permitted
Remote Work Allowed: No
Dependants Allowed: No
Path to Residency: Yes
Path to Citizenship: No
Sponsor Required: No
Summary: India does not have a formal asylum visa category. Individuals seeking protection approach UNHCR for refugee status. India provides stay permits to UNHCR-recognized refugees and specific groups, offering de facto protection and humanitarian stay.