Pakistanis failing to leave India face 3-yr jail, Rs 3L fine

Pakistan nationals who fail to leave India as per the deadlines set by the government will be arrested, prosecuted and may face a jail term of up to three years or a fine of a maximum Rs 3 lakh or both.

The “Leave India” notice to the Pakistan nationals was issued by the government after 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed by Pakistan-linked terrorists at Pahalgam on April 22.

The deadline for exiting India for those holding SAARC visas was April 26. For those carrying medical visas, the deadline is April 29.

Twelve categories — visa on arrival, business, film, journalist, transit, conference, mountaineering, student, visitor, group tourist, pilgrim and group pilgrim — of visa-holders had been asked to leave India by Sunday.

According to the Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025, which came into effect on April 4, overstaying, violating visa conditions, or trespassing in restricted areas could lead to three years in jail and a fine of up to Rs 3 lakh.

Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday called up the chief ministers of all states and asked them to ensure that no Pakistan national stays in India beyond the deadline set for leaving the country.

After the conversations, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan held a video conference with the chief secretaries and asked them to ensure that such individuals left India by the deadline.