In a big move, the Indian government has stopped 14 types of visas for people from Pakistan and paused visa services for them right away. This means all valid visas are now canceled, except for diplomatic, official, and long-term visas (LTVs). The decision came after links were found between Pakistan and a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
Who Needs to Leave India and When
Pakistani nationals with these visa types must leave India by the given dates:
– SAARC Visa: Valid until April 26
– Visa on Arrival, Business, Film, Journalist, Transit, Conference, Mountaineering, Student, Visitor, Group Tourist, Pilgrim, Group Pilgrim (for Pakistani minorities): Valid until April 27
– Medical Visa: Valid until April 29
If someone stays in India after these dates, they will be considered to have overstayed their visa and can face legal trouble.
Visas That Are Still Valid
– Diplomatic and Official Visas: These remain valid for now, and the Ministry of External Affairs will decide on exit deadlines later.
– Long-Term Visas (LTVs): These are still valid. No new visas will be issued in the 14 canceled categories.
Who Can Get Long-Term Visas (LTVs)?
Pakistani nationals can apply for LTVs if they meet the following criteria:
– They should have a valid passport and visa and want to stay in India permanently to seek Indian citizenship.
– They include members of minority communities in Pakistan (like Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, Christians).
– Pakistani women married to Indian citizens and living in India.
– Indian-origin women from Pakistan, married to Pakistani men, returning to India after divorce or widowhood, without male support in Pakistan.
– LTVs can be issued for five years for the first three categories and one year, with two-year extensions available for the fourth.
No new visas will be granted under the canceled categories, and current residents must leave on time to avoid legal issues.
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