NEW DELHI: The government on Wednesday cleared a package for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who are staying on long-term visa (LTV) in India. In addition, it will facilitate citizenship, a move that will require amendments to the law.

They can now open bank accounts, buy property to live as well as for self-employment, get permanent account numbers (PAN) and Aadhaar numbers. They would also be allowed free movement not just within the state or UT of stay but also the transfer of LTV papers from one state to another. Further, the penalty on non-extension of short-term or long-term visa on time has been waived. They would also be allowed to apply for LTV from the current place of residence in case they relocated without permission.