Pakistani nationals in India who do not depart within deadlines issued by the Indian government will be arrested, prosecuted and, in addition, may end up in jail for up to three years or receive a fine of up to Rs 3 lakh or both.
Government Issues ‘Leave India’ Order After Pahalgam Attack
The ‘Leave India’ message to the Pakistan nationals was declared by the government after 26 persons, largely tourists, were slain by terrorists in Pakistan-links at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22.
The last date for Indians to leave India for those who possess SAARC visas was April 26. For individuals possessing medical visas, the last date is April 29. The 12 visa categories whose bearers need to depart India by Sunday are visa on arrival, business, film, journalist, transit, conference, mountaineering, student, visitor, group tourist, pilgrim and group pilgrim.
Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025: Penalties for Violations
According to the Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025, which came into effect on April 4, overstaying, violating visa conditions, or trespassing in restricted areas could lead to three years in jail and a fine of up to Rs 3 lakh.
“Whoever, (a) being a foreigner, remains in any area in India for a period exceeding the period for which the visa was issued to him or stays in India without a valid passport or other valid travel document in contravention of provisions of Section 3 or does any act in violation of the conditions of the valid visa issued to him for his entry and stay in India or any part thereunder.
(b) contravenes any other provisions of this Act, other than sections 17 and 19, or of any rule or order made thereunder or any direction or instruction given in pursuance of this Act or such order or direction or instruction for which no specific punishment is provided under this Act, shall be punishable with an imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with a fine which may extend to three lakh rupees or with both,” the Act says.
Amit Shah Directs States to Ensure Compliance
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday directed all state chief ministers to make sure that no Pakistani nationals are left in India after the deadline. On the directions of Shah, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan held a video conference with state chief secretaries, asking them to make sure that the compliance is done.
The action comes following heightening tensions between Pakistan and India, particularly in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack that sparked retaliatory steps on the part of both countries, such as visa cancellation and others.
