In September 2021, India announced it would allow cases with an adoption order issued under the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act of 1956 (HAMA) to be considered Hague Convention adoptions. The U.S. Department of State conducted an in-depth analysis of the HAMA framework, consulted with the Indian Central Authority (CARA), and engaged other receiving countries operating in India to ensure a thorough understanding of the regulatory changes. The Department determined HAMA does not provide the legal framework to ensure certain safeguards under the Hague Convention for adoption are met.

Effective immediately, the Department of State is unable to issue Hague Adoption Certificates for cases with a HAMA adoption order.

Please continue to monitor adoption.state.gov for updated information as it becomes available. Any questions about this notice should be referred to the Office of Children’s Issues at adoption@state.gov.