The deadline for Pakistani nationals with short-term visas to leave India has passed. Those who stayed beyond the deadline may face serious consequences. They could be arrested, taken to court, fined, or even sent to jail.
Anyone who doesn’t leave India on time will be arrested and can face up to three years in jail, a fine of up to ₹3 lakh, or both. This is according to the Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025, which became law on April 4. The law punishes those who overstay their visas, break visa rules, or enter restricted areas, reported by PTI.
India Cancels SAARC Visas for Pakistani Nationals After Terror Attack
Last week, the Indian government said that Pakistani citizens can no longer travel to India using the SAARC visa exemption scheme (SVES). Any Pakistani citizen already in India with this visa must leave the country within 48 hours.
This decision came after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, where 26 people, mostly civilians, were killed by terrorists linked Pakistan.
The last date to leave India for those with SAARC visas was April 27. For those with medical visas, the deadline to leave is April 29.
Visa Holders Who Had to Leave India
Visa on arrival, Business visa, Film visa, Journalist visa, Transit visa, Conference visa, Mountaineering visa, Student visa, Visitor visa, Group tourist visa, Pilgrim visa, Group pilgrim visa
Who Can Be Punished for Breaking Visa Rules?
According to the law, anyone who stays in India longer than their visa allows, or stays without a valid passport or travel documents, is breaking the rules.
If someone breaks the visa rules or any other part of the law (except sections 17 and 19), they could be punished. The punishment can be:
- -Jail for up to three years
- -A fine of up to three lakh rupees (300,000 rupees)
- -Or both jail and a fine
Hundreds of Pakistanis Exit India After Visa Deadline
An official said that 537 Pakistani citizens have left India through the Attrai border over the past three days, after the deadline for short-term visa holders ended on Sunday.
Speaking to ANI, Arun Pal, a protocol officer at the Attari Border, said that 850 Indian citizens also returned to India during the same time. He added that on Sunday alone, 237 Pakistanis went back to Pakistan, while 116 Indians came back to India.
Pahalgam Terror Attack: India Takes Strong Action Against Pakistan
On April 22, terrorists supported by Pakistan killed 26 people, mostly civilians, in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
In response, India has announced several strict actions against Pakistan. These include stopping the Indus Waters Treaty and closing the only working land border crossing at Attari.
