New Delhi: In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian government has ordered Pakistani nationals residing in India to depart the country by a specified deadline. Failure to comply with the directive will result in legal consequences, including the possibility of arrest under the law. Investigations have been launched, and individuals who remain in India after the deadline may face up to three years of imprisonment, a fine of up to Rs 3 lakh, or both.
The government has mandated that Pakistani nationals holding Sark visas must leave by April 26. Those who entered India on medical visas have been granted a deadline of April 29. Pakistani nationals holding student, business, visitor, and other types of visas have been instructed to leave by April 27.
With the implementation of the Immigration and Foreigners Act-2025, effective from April 4, overstaying or violating visa rules, such as entering restricted areas, may lead to penalties including up to three years of imprisonment and fines up to Rs 3 lakh.
In line with these directives, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has issued instructions to all states to identify and repatriate Pakistani nationals. In response, several Pakistani nationals have crossed the Attari-Wagah border, leaving India within three days. Additionally, 745 Indian nationals from Pakistan have successfully returned to India.