India Relaxes Passport and Visa Rules for Pakistanis

India has relaxed passport and visa requirements for certain foreign nationals, including Pakistani citizens, under new immigration rules introduced by the country's Ministry of Home Affairs.

Key points

• The changes were confirmed through the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) (Amendment) Order, 2026, published in the official Gazette.
• Under the revised rules, Pakistani nationals who entered India on or before December 31, 2009, with the intention of settling permanently may be exempt from passport renewal requirements.
• The revised rules additionally extend relief to certain Sri Lankan Tamil refugees, Tibetan nationals, and residents of Indian origin who acquired Malaysian or Singaporean citizenship.
• Nevertheless, the exemption applies only to those unable to renew their Pakistani passports as they do not possess a Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC).
• Nevertheless, passport and visa requirements will continue to apply in certain cases involving travel through third countries, including Pakistan and China.

In practice, the changes were confirmed through the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) (Amendment) Order, 2026, published in the official Gazette. Malta to Double Minimum Retirement Tax Under New Visa Rules.

Eligible applicants must have family members who are Indian citizens, must not have married or acquired property in Pakistan, and must have no adverse police or security reports. They must additionally undertake not to return to Pakistan.

Meanwhile, the exemptions additionally cover Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who entered India on or before December 31, 2024, due to religious persecution or fear of persecution.

These individuals may qualify even if they entered without valid travel documents or their passports have expired. Nevertheless, they must obtain the appropriate visas to continue residing in India. New Zealand Removes 17 Occupations From Green List.

Meanwhile, the revised rules additionally extend relief to certain Sri Lankan Tamil refugees, Tibetan nationals, and residents of Indian origin who acquired Malaysian or Singaporean citizenship.

Meanwhile, India has simplified travel requirements for citizens of India, Nepal, and Bhutan, allowing eligible travelers to employ approved identification documents instead of passports when traveling directly between these countries.

Notably, the exemptions do not automatically grant permanent residency, and foreign nationals must continue to meet applicable visa requirements. Stay Connected with ProPakistani. Obtain the latest international news and global stories wherever you prefer. Follow on Google Discover. Follow on Google News Join WhatsApp. See more ProPakistani stories in Google Search and Top Stories.

Taken together, the developments around india Relaxes Passport and Visa Rules for Pakistanis point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.