India does not need a 'separate Refugee Policy' ......, says Amit Shah because India is "geo-cultural nation" and not a geo-political

"... When Parsis had to leave their land, they did not go any where. They came to India only. If any micro minority in the world is today living with self respect, it is in India," Amit Shah said. 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said that India's track record regarding migrants has been “spotless” for thousands of years, hence there is no need for a separate refugee policy. 

"A refugee policy is required by countries which were created due to geo-political circumstances. India is geo-cultural country, we are not a geo-political nation. Our boundaries have been made by our culture," Shah said in Lok Sabha on Thursday while piloting the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 on Thursday, March 27.  

The Home Minister said India had always acted with humanity and given refuge to those who had fled their home countries due to persecution. 

“Parsis fled Persia and came to India. The world’s smallest ‘micro-minority’ community lives in India with respect. Even Jews fled Israel and stayed in India,” Shah said.

The Home Minister said that during the previous government under Congress-led UPA; illegal infiltrators used to enter through Assam, and now they enter through West Bengal. 

Shah mentioned that once his party forms the government in Bengal, the infiltration from there will also be stopped. 

He emphasized that the refugees who came to India during the time of independence are not considered infiltrators; they are true refugees. Those who came here to protect their religion and family are the real refugees. 

This is why we brought the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which does not discriminate. Shri Shah stated that Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Parsis, Christians, and Jains—any individual from these communities who comes to India will be welcomed. 

However, those who come for infiltration will definitely be stopped. 

Citizenship will be granted only to those who suffered persecution, who endured the horrors of partition, and whose families faced atrocities. 

While replying to the question posed by one of the members, the Home Minister said none of the DMK MPs have ever raised the issue of Tamil refugees to him. 

He said that recently, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, citizens of 6 persecuted communities from neighboring countries have been given shelter under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). 

Shah said that India has always discharged its duties towards humanity and the need for a law was never felt for doing our duty. He said that our tradition and culture taught us the mantra of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and gave us its values. 

He said that it is India where the world's largest micro minority lives with utmost respect.

Union Home Minister stated that this bill has been introduced to replace four existing laws. All the shortcomings in these laws have been addressed, and the overlaps have been removed. He emphasized that in today’s world, international cooperation is essential to strengthen India’s economy, education, healthcare system, research, and legal framework, and we must also contribute to global progress. 

Shah further explained that this bill has been designed with these objectives in mind, but foremost, it has been introduced with the security of the country as the top priority.

The Bill, which seeks to regulate immigration, entry and stay of foreigners in India, was passed by a voice vote. It repeals the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939, the Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000.  

“The earlier colonial laws were made by the British during a mad race for self-gratification between World War I and II, and for the protection of the British government. However, the new ones have been made keeping in mind India’s welfare,” Shah said.

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