Protection Visa & Religious Persecution

In Pakistan, blasphemy laws remain one of the most severe forms of persecution. These laws target religious minorities, especially Christians, Hindus, and Ahmadiyya Muslims. Even accusations of blasphemy can result in severe penalties, including death sentences or mob violence.

Iran has long been one of the most dangerous countries for religious minorities, particularly Christian converts from Islam. Converting from Islam is seen as a serious offence, punishable by imprisonment or, in some cases, capital punishment. The government’s crackdown on religious freedom has resulted in a significant number of Christian converts fleeing the country in search of asylum.

The Chinese government has systematically destroyed Uighur mosques, placed heavy restrictions on religious practices, and imposed surveillance on Muslims. State-sponsored persecution of religious minorities in China has been described as 'cultural genocide' by multiple human rights organisations.

In Nigeria, Christian and Muslim minorities face extreme persecution, particularly in the northern regions controlled by extremist groups like Boko Haram. The violence has forced many religious minorities to flee their homes or face death.

In India, religious minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians, face increasing discrimination and violence, particularly in regions where Hindu nationalist movements have gained strength. IIn recent years, there have been rising instances of mob attacks on religious minorities, church burnings, and religiously motivated violence. The Indian government’s policies on religious conversions and laws targeting interfaith marriages have also fuelled tensions, exacerbating religious divides.

In Egypt, Coptic Christians represent the largest Christian community in the Middle East but have faced systemic persecution, including discriminatory laws, violent attacks, and church bombings. Islamist groups in Egypt continue to target Copts, and the government has been criticised for not doing enough to protect these communities.

In Saudi Arabia, the Shia Muslim minority faces severe persecution. The government follows an ultra-conservative interpretation of Islam, which marginalises Shia Muslims, leading to restrictions on their religious practices and imprisonment of religious leaders. Saudi Arabia also prohibits the public practice of any religion other than Islam. Christianity, Judaism, and other religions are prohibited from public practice, with religious minorities facing harassment and imprisonment.

In Myanmar, the Rohingya Muslims have faced severe persecution by the Buddhist majority. They have been subjected to ethnic cleansing, forced displacement, and violence. Many Rohingyas have been forced to flee to neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh.