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Hindustan Times
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Pakistani nationals on long-term visas asked to reapply by July 10
New Delhi: All Pakistani nationals, including Hindus, currently in India on long-term visas (LTVs) but who have not been granted Indian citizenship yet will have to apply afresh for the visa before July 10 or face cancellation, the Union home ministry said in an order dated April 28. Border Security Force stand guard at Attari-Wagah Integrated Check Post (ICP) in Amritsar. (HT PHOTO) That order essentially scrapped an exemption made on April 25 for Pakistani Hindus on LTVs, even as India said all other Pakistani citizens in India must leave the country by April 29. HT has seen a copy of the April 28 order that said: 'In exercise of the powers under section 3 (1) of the foreigners' act, 1946, and in continuation of this ministry's order dated April 25, it is stated that the long-term visa holders had been given exemption from revocation of their visas. Now, the government has decided that all such Pakistani nationals holding a long-term visa and who have not obtained an Indian citizenship, shall be required to apply afresh on the e-FRRO portal...' The application form for reapplying for LTV, the ministry said, will be available on the portal with effect from May 10, and till July 10. 'The LTV of any Pakistani national, who fails to reapply in the said period, shall be cancelled,' the order added. For reapplying for the LTV, the Pakistani citizens will have to provide documents including copy of their current valid LTV certificate, latest address with a copy of proof, details of profession/occupation and religion , and in the case of those who have applied for Indian citizenship, a copy of the application as well as latest photograph. The government has asked to reapply to make sure it has proper records of all who have LTVs (Pakistani Hindus and who are already here on LTV). Earlier, while announcing a series of measures in response to April 22 Pahalgam attack, in which 26 people were killed by Pakistan sponsored terrorists, the government asked all Pakistani nationals to return to their country. Union home minister Amit Shah also called up the chief ministers of all states and asked them to ensure that no Pakistani stays in India beyond the deadline set for leaving the country. Through its April 25 order, MHA suspended 14 visa categories out of 16 for Pakistanis. Only diplomatic/official visas and LTVs were allowed beyond April 29. The revoked visa categories included –– SAARC, visa on arrival, business, film, journalist, transit, medical (deadline ended on April 29), conference, mountaineering, student, visitor visa, group tourist visa, pilgrim visa and group pilgrim visa to minorities of Pakistan. However, the ministry of external affairs clarified that Pakistani Hindus with LTVs will be exempted. That has now changed. 'The latest order now nullifies this, which means everyone has to reapply for the LTV,' said an officer. 953 Pakistani citizens left India via Attari-Wagah border till May 2 while 1,841 Indians returned from Pakistan as tensions grow between the two countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to pursue the perpetrators and those part of the conspiracy to the ends of the Earth t, keeping Islamabad on the edge. Among a series of steps taken so far, the government has downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan, suspended the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), closed airspace for Pakistani airlines, snapped trade ties, and banned several Pakistani social media handles and websites.
News18
05-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
'Reapply Or Leave': India Issues Fresh Directive For Pakistanis On Long-Term Visa
Last Updated: The order also states that applicants must submit the following documents: a copy of their valid Long Term Visa certificate Pakistani nationals living in India on Long Term Visas (LTVs) who have not obtained Indian citizenship have been asked to reapply for their visas. In its order, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) stated that the window to reapply for LTVs is from May 10 to July 10. Any Pakistani national who fails to reapply within this period will have their LTV cancelled, according to the MHA order. In a series of stern measures against Pakistan, a day after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, the Government of India announced that Pakistani nationals would not be allowed to travel to India, and those currently in the country on short-term visas must leave within 48 hours. Now, in a fresh directive, the Indian government has made it clear that those on LTVs will also be required to reapply. This move signals the government's intent to reconsider whether such visas should be extended or reissued. The MHA order reads, 'The Government has decided that all Pakistani nationals holding a Long Term Visa and who have not obtained Indian citizenship, shall be required to apply afresh." The order also states that applicants must submit the following documents: a copy of their valid Long Term Visa certificate, a recent photograph, address proof, details of their profession and religion, and a copy of their application if they have applied for Indian citizenship. Furthermore, the order mentions that the application form for reapplying for a Long Term Visa will be available on the portal [ starting May 10, 2025, and will remain open until July 10, 2025. 'The Long Term Visa of any Pakistani national, who fails to reapply in the said period, shall be cancelled," the order stated. Earlier, following the barbaric attack in Pahalgam, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had advised Indian nationals in Pakistan to return at the earliest. An MEA statement had said, 'All Pakistani nationals currently in India must leave India before the expiry of visas, as now amended. Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid travelling to Pakistan. Those Indian nationals currently in Pakistan are also advised to return to India at the earliest." India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also briefed the press after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, stating that Pakistani nationals would no longer be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme. Any SPES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are now deemed cancelled. He further added that any Pakistani national currently in India under a SPES visa has 48 hours to leave the country. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: May 05, 2025, 22:23 IST
India.com
02-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
These Pakistanis are allowed to enter India freely without much border restrictions, they hold a special…, no tough checks, no questions asked…, Know why
While travel between India and Pakistan is usually heavily restricted, there's a small group of Pakistani citizens who are allowed to visit India with minimal hassle — even during tense times between the two countries. After recent security concerns, including the Pahalgam attack, both India and Pakistan have asked citizens staying on visas to return to their home countries. But even during such sensitive times, some Pakistani nationals are still being allowed into India. So, who are these people? These individuals hold a special type of visa issued by India called the NORI Visa, which stands for 'No Objection to Return to India'. This visa is typically valid for five years and is mainly issued to people from neighboring countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh. Most of the recipients of this visa are Pakistanis who have married Indian citizens or have close family members living in India. Though they are allowed to live in India on this visa, they are not granted Indian citizenship. Despite political tensions and strict immigration controls, holders of the NORI visa are allowed to enter India using their Pakistani passport without facing the same level of scrutiny or legal barriers that other Pakistani nationals might experience. They can also return to Pakistan and come back to India within the visa terms. However, there are some rules. Even for NORI visa holders, the number of visits they can make to India each year is limited, and they must follow the visa guidelines strictly. But compared to regular visa holders, they enjoy a smoother and less restricted travel experience. What is the NORI Visa? NORI stands for 'No Objection to Return to India', a special category of visa that India grants to select Pakistani and Bangladeshi citizens. Unlike tourist visas, this one isn't for sightseeing — it's meant for people with deep personal ties to India. These are usually individuals who: Have married Indian citizens Have close family members living in India, such as children or parents Are dependent on relatives residing in India for care and support The NORI visa allows them to stay in India for extended periods, often up to five years, but without being granted Indian citizenship. It's a humanitarian measure, intended to preserve family unity across a heavily monitored border. In a significant development following weeks of uncertainty, more than 70 Pakistani women, all married to Indian citizens and holding NORI certificates along with Long-Term Visas (LTVs), were allowed to cross back into India through the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at the Attari border. This comes after the Government of India revoked all Pakistani visas in the wake of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. The sudden decision had left many stranded on both sides of the border, especially Pakistani women who had traveled back to visit their families. Despite holding valid Pakistani passports, NORI certificates, and LTVs, many of these women were prevented from returning to India by Pakistani immigration officials in recent days. Families in India were left anxious, fearing prolonged separation.
Indian Express
30-04-2025
- Indian Express
Respite for Pakistan nationals waiting on long-term visas to be processed
A note dated April 28 issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), Jodhpur (City), has come as a relief to Pakistani nationals who have either applied for long-term visas (LTV) or have LTVs with expired validity. According to the note, the Home Ministry has issued guidelines regarding the order for Pakistani citizens residing in India. They are: Pakistani citizens who have come to India and are currently residing here on LTV are not required to leave the country. For Pakistani citizens residing in Jodhpur city on LTV, if the validity of their LTV has expired, they are required to get it extended. They can get it done by visiting the FRRO in Jodhpur city. Pakistani citizens who have applied for LTV and whose cases are pending are not being deported. Pakistani nationals who are eligible for LTV application and have not submitted it so far should submit it along with valid documents as soon as possible and get their registration done at FRRO, Jodhpur City. Pakistani citizens whose passports have expired and who have not yet registered themselves anywhere should also submit their documents to the FRO of their area so that necessary guidelines can be obtained from the state government and the Home Ministry in their regard. FRRO, Jodhpur City, has launched a special campaign for registration of Pakistani citizens and to receive LTV applications so that all such applications can be disposed of quickly and relief can be provided to them. In the last three days, LTV applications of 362 Pakistani citizens have been accepted and registered, and this process is continuing. Sanjay Aggarwal, DGP Intelligence, Rajasthan, said, 'Those who have applied for LTV are exempt as the process to approve LTV takes time due to various background checks.'
The Print
30-04-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Pakistani nationals in India get relief as MHA expands exemption list, eases deportation threat
The Ministry of External Affairs had already clarified Thursday that LTVS issued to Pakistani Hindus were to remain valid even as all visas issued to Pakistani nationals were set to be revoked by 29 April at the latest. The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Rajasthan's Jodhpur has added more exemptions, such as Pakistani women who are married to Indian men and living on LTVs, as well as opened windows to those whose Pakistani passports have expired. New Delhi: In a relief to Pakistani nationals living in India for a long time and who were facing inevitable deportation, the Ministry of Home Affairs has expanded the exemptions beyond the group of Long Term Visas (LTV) holders and included those whose applications for such visas are pending or are eligible for it. The Jodhpur FRRO said that it has approved the LTVs of 362 Pakistani nationals in 3 days till Monday. Hundreds of migrants from Pakistan, especially Hindus, are living in clusters in Jodhpur. The exemptions were announced around 5 days after the central government revoked all visas issued to Pakistani nationals and set 27 April as the cancellation date for standard visas. People with medical visas were asked to leave the country by 29 April, when their visas expired. The decision to revoke visas was among the list of diplomatic measures taken by New Delhi in the wake of the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, where 25 Indian nationals and one Nepalese citizen were shot dead. The MEA had also advised Pakistani nationals currently in India to leave the country before their amended visas expire. Indian citizens have been strongly advised to avoid travelling to Pakistan. Those currently in Pakistan are urged to return to India at the earliest opportunity. While the MEA had already clarified that LTVs issued to Pakistani Hindus were to remain valid even in case of suspension of visas for Pakistani nationals, the latest exemption announced by Jodhpur FRRO has extended the categories to include even those who are eligible for it or those whose applications are under consideration. In a press note, the FRRO Jodhpur has said that Pakistani nationals living in Jodhpur, whose LTVs have expired should approach its office to renew them immediately. Additionally, Pakistani immigrants whose applications for LTVs are pending for approval before FRRO have also been exempted from deportation, the FRRO Jodhpur said. The FRRO also urged those who are eligible to apply for LTVs and are yet to apply for it to approach its office immediately with all relevant documents. Additionally, those whose Pakistani passports have expired should have also been asked to reach out immediately to the FRRO to seek further instructions from the MHA and the MEA. Among other key exemptions, the MHA has excluded women of Pakistani origin who are married to Indian men and are living on LTVs from the list of Pakistani nationals set to be deported. The FRRO further urged those who have secured Indian citizenship to submit their proof of citizenship to its office for updating of records. 'Registration and LTV of Pakistani citizens by the Foreign Registration Officer Office, Jodhpur City. A special campaign has been launched to receive applications, allowing for the quick processing of all Pakistani citizens' applications and providing relief to them. LTV of 362 Pakistani citizens approved in the last 3 days. The applications have been accepted and registered; the process is ongoing,' the FRRO Jodhpur said in a press statement. (Edited by Zinnia Ray Chaudhuri) Also read: Pahalgam attack aftermath: Gurez & Machil among over 80 tourist spots closed for visitors in Kashmir
