Pakistani nationals who did not leave India by the government’s deadline may face arrest, prosecution, and a jail term of up to three years or a fine of up to ₹3 lacks, or both.The deadline for those with South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) visas was April 26, while the deadline for those with medical visas is April 29.

The 12 visa categories required to leave India by Sunday included: visa on arrival, business, film, journalist, transit, conference, mountaineering, student, visitor, group tourist, pilgrim, and group pilgrim.

On April 25-26, 272 Pakistani nationals left India through the Attari-Wagah border. Hundreds more exited on April 27, 2025, when the deadline for short-term visa holders from Pakistan ended, according to an official. Relations between India and Pakistan worsened after the Pahalgam terror attack, with India taking diplomatic steps such as visa cancellations, and Pakistan responding with countermeasures, as both countries' militaries remain on high alert.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have risen in recent days, with reports saying India may carry out punitive strikes in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.

India decided to downgrade diplomatic ties with Pakistan due to cross-border links to the attack. This decision was made during a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence on April 23. Pakistan denied involvement in the Pahalgam terror attack. Initially, The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility but later retracted their statement.

Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025

In response to the Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists, the Indian government issued a "Leave India" notice to Pakistani nationals.

Under the Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025, effective from April 4, overstaying, violating visa conditions, or trespassing in restricted areas can lead to up to three years in jail and a fine of up to ₹3 lakh. The law applies to foreigners violating visa conditions or staying in India without valid documents.

The Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025 states that anyone who violates any provisions of the Act, except sections 17 and 19, or disobeys any related rules, orders, or instructions, will face a punishment of up to three years in jail, a fine of up to ₹3 lakh or both, if no specific punishment is mentioned.

Last week, Union Home Minister Amit Shah contacted the chief ministers of all states, urging them to ensure that no Pakistani nationals remain in India beyond the deadline set for their departure.

 

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