Pakistani Nationals Failing to Leave India Face 3 Years Jail, Rs 3 Lakh Fine, or Both
New Delhi, April 28:
The Indian government has warned that any Pakistani national who fails to leave India within the stipulated deadlines will face strict action, including arrest, prosecution, a jail term of up to three years, a maximum fine of Rs 3 lakh, or both.
This stern warning follows the horrific terrorist attack at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed by terrorists linked to Pakistan.
In response, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued ‘Leave India’ notices to all Pakistani nationals currently in India under various visa categories. The deadline for those holding SAARC visas was set for April 26, while individuals with medical visas must exit by April 29.
Twelve categories of visa holders — including visa on arrival, business, film, journalist, transit, conference, mountaineering, student, visitor, group tourist, pilgrim, and group pilgrim — are required to comply with the directive and leave India immediately.
According to the newly enacted Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, effective from April 4, anyone overstaying their visa, violating visa conditions, or entering restricted areas without permission will be liable for severe penalties. The Act states:
“Whoever, being a foreigner, remains in any area in India beyond the permitted period or stays without a valid passport or travel document, or violates any visa condition, shall be punishable with imprisonment up to three years or with a fine up to three lakh rupees, or with both.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah personally reached out to the chief ministers of all states, urging them to ensure that no Pakistani national overstays their visa beyond the mandated deadlines. Following Shah’s intervention, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan conducted a high-level video conference with state chief secretaries, directing strict monitoring and enforcement.
The diplomatic fallout between India and Pakistan has deepened following the Pahalgam attack, leading New Delhi to announce a series of retaliatory measures, including mass visa cancellations. In a predictable move, Islamabad has retaliated with countermeasures of its own.
The government’s message is clear: security will not be compromised, and violations by foreign nationals will be met with the full force of law.
