Pak minorities may work in Indian private sector

The government is planning to allow members of minority communities from Pakistan, who have come to India, to work in private sector, Union home ministry sources said on Monday.

“Initially, members of minority community members from Pakistan may be allowed to work in private sector here, but later the relaxation can be extended to minorities from other countries as well,” said a home ministry official, requesting anonymity.

Besides, the power of extending their visa for six months is also being delegated to foreign regional registration offices to speed up the process, added the official.

Union home ministry has convened a meeting next week with representatives of minority communities from neighbouring countries to address their grievances related to long-term Indian visa and citizenship.

Additional secretary (foreigners) in the ministry, Braj Kishore Prasad, will hold a meeting with representatives from nearly ten associations, which represent minority communities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, on December 23.

They will also be explained the procedure for grant of long-term visa and Indian citizenship, said a home ministry statement.

Afterwards, home minister Rajnath Singh may announce relaxed norms on December 25.

First Published: Dec 15, 2014 23:57 IST