Current Context: Following the suspension of visa services to Pakistani nationals after the Pahalgam terror attack, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that Long-Term Visas (LTVs) already issued to Hindu Pakistani nationals remain valid.

About LTVs

• LTVs permit foreign nationals to reside in India for more than 180 days, primarily issued on humanitarian grounds.
• Eligibility: Typically granted to minority community members from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who entered India on or before December 31, 2014, with or without valid travel documents.
• Recent Developments: Despite the blanket suspension of visas for Pakistani nationals, LTVs for Hindu Pakistani nationals are exempted from this decision.
• Community Impact: The clarification provided relief to over 250 Pakistani Sindhi Hindus residing in Pimpri, Maharashtra, who were concerned about their visa status.