Pakistani nationals overstaying in India now face up to three years in jail and ₹3 lakh fines under the new Immigration Bill.

Pakistani Nationals Face Jail and Heavy Fines for Overstaying in India

In a significant tightening of immigration enforcement, Pakistani nationals overstaying in India could now face up to three years behind bars and fines reaching ₹3 lakh. The move comes under the newly introduced Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, marking a sharp escalation in India’s efforts to regulate foreign nationals amid rising security concerns.

New Immigration Laws Target Visa Violators

Under Section 23 of the fresh legislation, foreign nationals who either overstay their visas, breach visa conditions, or enter restricted areas are subject to strict penalties, including imprisonment, fines, or both. The Indian government has made it clear: short-term visa holders must respect their deadlines or face legal consequences.

In a formal notice, authorities instructed all Pakistani nationals with short-term visas to exit India by April 27, while those traveling for medical reasons received a slight extension until April 29. This urgency reflects the gravity with which the Indian government now views visa compliance.

Security Concerns Following Deadly Terror Attack

The crackdown follows a tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, where 26 civilians lost their lives. Investigations pointed toward a Pakistan-based terrorist outfit, adding fuel to an already strained relationship between the two nations.

In the wake of the attack, Union Home Minister Amit Shah ordered state governments to identify Pakistani nationals residing within their jurisdictions and to expedite their deportations. The urgency and scale of the directive underline New Delhi’s broader security strategy following the Pahalgam incident.

Who Must Leave: Visa Categories Affected

The government’s directive covers 12 visa categories, including holders of:

• Visa on arrival
• Business visas
• Film and journalist visas
• Transit and conference visas
• Mountaineering permits
• Student, visitor, and group tourist visas
• Pilgrim and group pilgrim visas

These categories represent a wide swath of Pakistani citizens in India, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the immigration sweep.

Mass Departures via the Wagah-Attari Border

The response to India’s directive has been swift. Over the past three days, 509 Pakistani nationals, including nine diplomats and officials, exited India via the Wagah-Attari border. Simultaneously, 745 Indian nationals, among them 14 diplomats, returned from Pakistan, according to PTI reports.

Photographs captured emotional scenes of final goodbyes at the border, with families and friends parting ways, some unsure when they might meet again. The human cost of geopolitical tension was visible in tearful embraces and lingering glances.

Diplomatic Fallout: Pakistan Retaliates

The rift between India and Pakistan widened further when Islamabad retaliated by canceling visas issued to Indians under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES). Pakistan’s government also called for an international investigation into the Pahalgam attack, insisting that a neutral probe was necessary to ensure fairness.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif both condemned the violence, emphasizing their call for a transparent inquiry — although New Delhi remains skeptical of Islamabad’s denials.

India’s Hardening Stance on Immigration

This episode reflects a broader shift in India’s immigration and security policies. Officials argue that in today’s globalized world, lax immigration rules can have severe consequences, particularly when terror networks exploit such vulnerabilities.

Experts suggest that while the immediate trigger was the Pahalgam attack, the new immigration framework could become a permanent fixture. According to security analyst Dr. Ramesh Chandran, “Visa compliance is no longer just an administrative issue; it’s a frontline defense strategy.” He notes that post-attack measures often set lasting precedents in national security.

Meanwhile, human rights organizations caution against painting all visa overstayers with the same brush, emphasizing the need for individualized assessments and due process.

Conclusion: Navigating a Tense Crossroad

As India strengthens its immigration protocols in response to recent events, Pakistani nationals and others must tread carefully, strictly adhering to visa norms to avoid harsh penalties. The unfolding situation serves as a stark reminder of how geopolitics can reshape the lives of ordinary people caught in its crosscurrents.

While governments strategize behind closed doors, it’s the common citizen — crossing borders for education, health, or opportunity — who often feels the deepest impact. Staying informed, compliant, and prepared has never been more critical in today’s tense atmosphere.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or an endorsement of any political stance. Readers are encouraged to consult official sources or legal counsel for guidance regarding immigration matters.

source :  Hindustan Times