India Issues Long-Term Visas to 145 Pakistani Nationals in September, Primarily for Citizenship Applicants
The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) granted long-term visas to 145 Pakistani nationals in September, a step aimed at supporting applications for Indian citizenship.
The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) granted long-term visas to 145 Pakistani nationals in September, a step aimed at supporting applications for Indian citizenship. According to a senior government official, these long-term visas, which enable extended residency, are typically granted to applicants who initially enter India on short-term visas with the intention of transitioning to Indian citizenship.Most applicants under this category are Pakistani Hindus seeking permanent settlement, though other eligible groups include Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. These communities, particularly vulnerable minorities, are eligible for five-year long-term visas under India’s humanitarian visa policy, which seeks to provide a secure residency route to individuals facing social or religious persecution in their home countries.In the last six months alone, approximately 500 Pakistani nationals have arrived in India under similar circumstances, with a majority aiming to acquire Indian citizenship through the long-term visa pathway. Organisations advocating for these migrants, such as the Sindh Lok Sabha (SLS), have consistently pressed for expedited visa processing times to reduce delays in family reunification and settlement. Furthermore, the SLS has advocated for the resumption of the Jodhpur-Karachi rail link, which, if reinstated, would significantly ease cross-border travel for these communities.India’s long-term visa policy is a component of its broader commitment to assist minorities from neighbouring countries who seek stability, security, and a path to citizenship within its borders. The issuance of these visas highlights India's dedication to supporting vulnerable populations and underscores the government’s intent to facilitate a secure pathway for those in genuine need of asylum and residency. As calls for more efficient processing grow, this policy represents a critical measure in India’s approach to addressing regional humanitarian concerns and fostering cultural integration within its own diverse society.
