India is speeding up efforts to grant long-term visas (LTVs) to "persecuted minorities" (read Hindus, Sikhs, Christians and Buddhists) of neighbouring countries.
India is speeding up efforts to grant long-term visas (LTVs) to "persecuted minorities" (read Hindus, Sikhs, Christians and Buddhists) of neighbouring countries.
An LTV allows a foreigner to stay in India continuously for more than six months.
Around 30,000 Pakistani nationals, most of whom are Hindus, have been granted LTVs since 2011 which in turn has made them eligible to get important identification documents like PAN and Aadhaar cards.
According to The Indian Express, the Union home ministry has asked state governments to expedite grant of LTVs to applicants. If not granted within 21 days approval will be deemed to have been given.
As per the government's current policy, people belonging to minority communities from neighbouring countries having LTVs are allowed to purchase a small house for their family and can even establish a business.
They are eligible to obtain Aadhaar card, PAN card and driving licences. The LTV also allows them to buy property.
A total of 14,726 Pakistani citizens were given LTVs between 2011 and 2014 (UPA tensure) after they submitted offline applications.
Since the NDA government came to power, steps have been taken for simplifaction of LTV and Citizenship for Hinu minorities from neighbouring countries. Those with LTVs can freely move within states and union territories.
After the process of granting LTVs was made online, 2,142 Pakistani nationals were given LTVs in 2015, 2,298 in 2016 and 4,712 in 2017.
Currently, 1,500 LTVs applications from Pakistani nationals are under considerations of the home ministry.
An LTV allows a foreigner to stay in India continuously for more than six months.
Around 30,000 Pakistani nationals, most of whom are Hindus, have been granted LTVs since 2011 which in turn has made them eligible to get important identification documents like PAN and Aadhaar cards.
According to The Indian Express, the Union home ministry has asked state governments to expedite grant of LTVs to applicants. If not granted within 21 days approval will be deemed to have been given.
As per the government's current policy, people belonging to minority communities from neighbouring countries having LTVs are allowed to purchase a small house for their family and can even establish a business.
They are eligible to obtain Aadhaar card, PAN card and driving licences. The LTV also allows them to buy property.
A total of 14,726 Pakistani citizens were given LTVs between 2011 and 2014 (UPA tensure) after they submitted offline applications.
Since the NDA government came to power, steps have been taken for simplifaction of LTV and Citizenship for Hinu minorities from neighbouring countries. Those with LTVs can freely move within states and union territories.
After the process of granting LTVs was made online, 2,142 Pakistani nationals were given LTVs in 2015, 2,298 in 2016 and 4,712 in 2017.
Currently, 1,500 LTVs applications from Pakistani nationals are under considerations of the home ministry.