Pakistani nationals who overstay in India can face 3 years in jail, ₹3 lakh fine

The Centre issued a ‘Leave India’ notice to all Pakistani nationals on short-term visas in India, stating that they had to leave the country by April 27.

Updated on: Apr 27, 2025, 19:59:43 IST

By HT News Desk

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Pakistani nationals on short-term visas who fail to leave India within the stipulated deadline are liable to be arrested, prosecuted and face penalties of three years in jail and a ₹3 lakh fine.

A military personnel with Border Security Force checks the passports of Pakistani citizens as they prepare to leave India. (REUTERS)

Under Section 23 of the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, foreign nationals who overstay their visa, violate visa conditions, or enter restricted areas in India face imprisonment up to 3 years, or a fine of a maximum ₹3 lakh or both.

Also Read: ‘Look who’s bearing brunt’: Children separated from mothers, tears at Attari-Wagah ahead of India exit deadline

The Centre issued a ‘Leave India’ notice to all Pakistani nationals on short-term visas in India, stating that they had to leave the country by April 27. Special consideration was given to those on medical visas who are required to leave by April 29.

The Indian government's directive came after Pakistani-based terrorist organisation was linked to the attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22, which left 26 civilians dead.

Also Read: Tears, hugs, final goodbyes at Attari border as hundreds of Pakistanis leave India | Photos

The 12 categories of visa holders who have to leave India by April 27 include those who have a visa on arrival, business, film, journalist, transit, conference, mountaineering, student, visitor, group tourist, pilgrim and group pilgrim.

Union home minister Amit Shah had directed the chief ministers of all states to identify those Pakistani nationals who need to be deported and make arrangements accordingly.

Pakistani nationals leave India via Wagah-Attari border

As many as 509 Pakistani nationals, including nine diplomats and officials, left India over the last three days in accordance with the Indian government's directives following the Pahalgam attack.

Also Read: Punjab: Attari-Wagah border closure to hit biz, but traders say they stand with country

A total of 745 Indians, including 14 diplomats and officials, also returned from Pakistan through the Wagah-Attari border, reported PTI.

Mirroring New Delhi's punitive measures, Islamabad also announced retaliatory directives and cancelled visas given to Indians under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES).

Relations between the two neighbouring nations have soured after the Resistance Front, a Pakistan-based proxy of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the deadly attack in Pahalgam.

Pakistan has denied involvement and has called for a neutral probe into the incident. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and defence minister Khawaja Asif have also called for international involvement in the investigation to ensure fairness.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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