India Issues New Rules for Pakistani Long-Term Visa Holders, Mandates Re-Registration

In a significant development impacting foreign residents, the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs has announced a mandatory online re-registration process for all Pakistani nationals currently residing in India on Long-Term Visas (LTVs) who have not yet obtained Indian citizenship.

This new directive, effective from May 10, 2025, requires all eligible individuals to submit a fresh application through the e-FRRO portal.

New Online Re-registration Mandatory

The Indian government aims to streamline and verify the records of foreign nationals living in the country under the Long-Term Visa framework. The deadline for completing this online process is July 10, 2025.

Failure to comply within this two-month window will result in the cancellation of their existing visas. Indian authorities will consider individuals who do not reapply as illegal residents and may take strict legal action against them.

Essential Documents for the New LTV Application

Pakistani nationals seeking to reapply for their Long-Term Visa via the e-FRRO portal will need to ensure they have the following documents ready for upload:

• A clear copy of their current, valid Long-Term Visa.
• A recent passport-sized photograph with a white background.
• A copy of their most recent residential address proof.
• Detailed information regarding their current occupation and religious affiliation.
• A copy of their Indian citizenship application, if they have already applied.

Vishnukant, the Inspector General of Police (Security) for Rajasthan, has officially confirmed the directive, citing an official order issued by Pratap Singh Rawat, the Under Secretary in the Foreigners Identification Division.

Rajasthan Government Steps In

The Rajasthan government has issued special guidelines for Pakistani nationals residing in the state, urging them to complete all reapplication formalities within the two-month deadline. Local authorities have been directed to assist in the transition to the new online process.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Pakistani nationals who fail to comply with the reapplication process by the July 10 deadline will face:

• Visa cancellation
• Legal action under the Foreigners Act, 1946
• Possible deportation

The Indian government clearly stated it will not grant any extensions and will strictly enforce the security screening process.

Pahalgam Attack and Diplomatic Fallout

India’s tough immigration measures come in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, which led to the loss of 26 lives and escalated border tensions. In retaliation:

• All visas for Pakistanis were suspended, including medical visas.
• India announced a suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a key bilateral agreement.
• Pakistani military diplomats were expelled from the country.

These actions reflect a severe diplomatic downturn between the two nations, with travel and immigration policies now caught in the crossfire.

A New Era in Indo-Pak Visa Rules

The cancellation of all visas for Pakistani nationals, including those for critical medical reasons, marks a major shift in India’s visa policy. With mandatory reapplication now in place, Pakistani nationals living in India must act quickly to avoid legal consequences.

As diplomatic tensions rise, travel between India and Pakistan faces unprecedented restrictions, and the future of cross-border movement remains uncertain.