Pakistani nationals on visit visas leave Kerala as per home ministry directive

T'puram: Five Pakistani nationals who were in Kerala on tourist visas returned on Friday as per the instructions of the Union home ministry. Two were in Ernakulam district while one each was in Thrissur, Palakkad and Wayanad.
The state govt reported to Centre that 104 people with Pakistan visas were residing in the state, with 99 of them on long-term visas. The central and the state IB are collecting data from each district to find out whether there are more people with Pakistan visas.
The police said long-term visas were issued for five years and hence those with such visas could continue to stay. Most of the people holding such visas are from the northern districts of the state. Many of them are Malayalis who have resided in the state for years by extending visas. Authorities have clarified that there was no hindrance to their continued stay in the country.
Union home minister Amit Shah, after speaking with state chief ministers, had instructed that efforts be expedited to identify and deport Pakistani nationals. The home ministry also issued an order stating that people with Pakistan visas should leave the country before Sunday evening. The responsibility for implementing the order lies with the district police chiefs and district administrations. The directive was for those who came on short-term visits to leave immediately. The central govt has not asked for the return of Pakistani nationals who married Indians and have resided in the country for a long time. However, officials have been instructed to strictly enforce the order concerning those who arrived on visit and medical visas.
The home ministry has also stated that Pakistani nationals on medical visas could stay in the country for an additional two days.
T'puram: Five Pakistani nationals who were in Kerala on tourist visas returned on Friday as per the instructions of the Union home ministry. Two were in Ernakulam district while one each was in Thrissur, Palakkad and Wayanad.
The state govt reported to Centre that 104 people with Pakistan visas were residing in the state, with 99 of them on long-term visas. The central and the state IB are collecting data from each district to find out whether there are more people with Pakistan visas.
The police said long-term visas were issued for five years and hence those with such visas could continue to stay. Most of the people holding such visas are from the northern districts of the state. Many of them are Malayalis who have resided in the state for years by extending visas. Authorities have clarified that there was no hindrance to their continued stay in the country.
Union home minister Amit Shah, after speaking with state chief ministers, had instructed that efforts be expedited to identify and deport Pakistani nationals. The home ministry also issued an order stating that people with Pakistan visas should leave the country before Sunday evening. The responsibility for implementing the order lies with the district police chiefs and district administrations. The directive was for those who came on short-term visits to leave immediately. The central govt has not asked for the return of Pakistani nationals who married Indians and have resided in the country for a long time. However, officials have been instructed to strictly enforce the order concerning those who arrived on visit and medical visas.
The home ministry has also stated that Pakistani nationals on medical visas could stay in the country for an additional two days.