In order to prevent possible local-level harassment of Afghan nationals, India's Home Ministry has taken away powers of the Foreigners' Regional Registration Office by which they could ask any Afghan national to leave India, NDTV said. 

India has been helping its nationals get out of the war-torn nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also made it clear that the country will help Hindus and Sikhs from Afghanistan as well as those who are "friends", including those who have worked with the Indian Embassy or Indian projects in Afghanistan. 

The new guidelines from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued earlier this month say the Registration Office will not be able to issue exit orders or "Leave India notice" to any Afghan national. This was after an Afghan parliamentarian was deported from the airport after arriving in New Delhi from Kabul. Indian officials later called it a "mistake" and said the problem will be rectified. 

"If anyone (any Afghan national) wants to leave the country, they can go. But if any FRRO issues them 'Leave India notice then such cases would be referred to MHA," said a senior official from the home ministry.

According to him, this is an additional protection that is being provided to them. "Any Afghan national who is living in India under any category will have this extra shield," he added.

The ministry guidelines maintain that Afghan nationals living in India on any category of visa will have their visa extended at no cost until further orders.  As per Home Ministry guidelines, after September 30 if any of these Afghan nationals want to study in India, they need to apply on the e-portal of FRRO.

The home minister had earlier extended visa for all foreigners till September 30. "All foreigners who have been stuck in India since the outbreak of the pandemic, has had their visas extended free of cost," said another official.