The recent revocation of visas has left many wondering what Pakistani Nationals can do after visa revocation in India. With diplomatic tensions at a high and new immigration rules in place, it’s crucial for affected individuals to understand their rights, obligations, and immediate next steps. This comprehensive guide addresses every aspect of what Pakistani Nationals can do after visa revocation, ensuring you have the facts and resources needed to act swiftly and safely.
Table of Contents
Who Is Counted as an Indian National?
Articles 6 and 7 of the Indian Constitution specifically address the status of individuals as Indian nationals in the context of migration during the partition period. According to Article 6, persons who migrated to India from Pakistan before July 19, 1948, are counted as Indian nationals if they or their parents or grandparents were born in India as defined by the Government of India Act, 1935, and have been ordinarily resident in India since their migration.
Those who migrated after July 19, 1948, must have been registered as citizens of India by an appointed government officer, provided they had resided in India for at least six months prior to their application. Article 7, on the other hand, states that individuals who migrated from India to Pakistan after March 1, 1947, are generally not considered Indian nationals.
However, an exception exists for those who returned to India with a valid permit for resettlement or permanent return; such individuals may be eligible for citizenship under the conditions specified in Article 6. Thus, these articles clarify that Indian nationality is determined not only by birth or ancestry but also by the timing and circumstances of migration between India and Pakistan around the commencement of the Constitution.
Why Were Visas Revoked?
The Indian government revoked most visas for Pakistani nationals in response to the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025. This move was part of a series of security and diplomatic countermeasures, including the immediate suspension of visa services and the expulsion of Pakistani citizens from India. Understanding what Pakistani Nationals can do after visa revocation starts with recognizing the urgency and seriousness of these new regulations.
Who Must Leave and By When?
Knowing what Pakistani Nationals can do after visa revocation means understanding the deadlines and categories affected:
| Visa Category | Valid Until | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| SAARC Visa | April 26, 2025 | Exit by this date |
| Visa on Arrival | April 27, 2025 | Exit by this date |
| Business Visa | April 27, 2025 | Exit by this date |
| Film/Journalist Visa | April 27, 2025 | Exit by this date |
| Transit/Conference | April 27, 2025 | Exit by this date |
| Mountaineering/Student | April 27, 2025 | Exit by this date |
| Visitor/Group Tourist | April 27, 2025 | Exit by this date |
| Pilgrim/Group Pilgrim | April 27, 2025 | Exit by this date |
| Medical Visa | April 29, 2025 | Exit by this date |
Failing to leave by these deadlines means you will be considered an overstaying foreign national and face legal action under the Immigration & Foreigners Act, 2025.
Which Visas Remain Valid?
A vital part of what Pakistani Nationals can do after visa revocation is knowing if your visa is exempt. The following visas remain valid:
- Diplomatic and Official Visas: Still valid unless specifically revoked.
- Long-Term Visas (LTVs): Valid for Pakistani minorities, Pakistani women married to Indians, Indian-origin women returning to India, and cases involving extreme compassion.
- Medical Visas: Valid until April 29, 2025.
No new visas will be issued to Pakistani nationals until further notice.
What Pakistani Nationals Can Do After Visa Revocation: Step-by-Step Process
1. Check Your Visa Status
The first step in what Pakistani Nationals can do after visa revocation is to immediately verify your visa type and expiry. If your visa is revoked or about to expire, you must prepare to leave.
2. Prepare Travel Documents
- Ensure your passport is valid.
- Keep a copy of your revoked Indian visa (if available).
- Gather all other identification and travel documents.
3. Choose Your Exit Route
- By Air: Book the earliest available flight to Pakistan or a third country where you have entry rights. Major international airports (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad) are operational.
- By Land (Attari-Wagah Border): Only for those who entered via Attari, exit before May 1, 2025.
- Other Borders: Not recommended unless specifically advised by authorities due to heightened security and risk of deportation.
4. Contact Authorities for Assistance
If you face challenges in booking travel or need urgent help, contacting the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi is a crucial part of what Pakistani Nationals can do after visa revocation.
5. Comply with Security Checks
Be prepared for increased security and document checks at airports and border crossings. Cooperation is essential for a smooth exit.
6. Keep Proof of Departure
Retain all travel receipts and documents as proof of exit. Notify the Pakistani High Commission if you experience issues during departure.
Special Focus: Attari-Wagah Border Restrictions
A key concern in what Pakistani Nationals can do after visa revocation is the use of the Attari-Wagah border:
- Who Can Exit: Only those who entered via Attari can exit through this route before May 1, 2025.
- Documentation: Original entry proof, passport, and revoked visa copy are mandatory.
- Special Cases: Long-term visa holders, such as Pakistani women married to Indians, may face challenges re-entering India even with valid NORI certificates. Children with Indian passports are allowed to cross, but Pakistani parents are often barred.
Legal Consequences for Overstaying
Understanding what Pakistani Nationals can do after visa revocation also means knowing the risks of overstaying:
- Detention and Deportation: Overstayers will be identified and deported.
- Fines and Bans: Legal action may include fines, bans, or imprisonment.
- Future Travel Restrictions: Overstaying can result in a permanent ban from returning to India.
Families and Long-Term Visa Holders
Many families are struggling with what Pakistani Nationals can do after visa revocation:
- Pakistani Brides Married to Indians: Many are stranded at the border, unable to return to India despite valid long-term visas and NORI certificates. Children with Indian passports are allowed to cross, but mothers are often not.
- Emotional and Financial Toll: Families face separation, financial hardship, and uncertainty.
Official Contacts for Assistance
An essential part of what Pakistani Nationals can do after visa revocation is knowing who to contact:
- Pakistani High Commission, New Delhi
- Visa Helpline: +91 9717480394
- Focal Person: Muhammad Imran (+91 95999 61744)
- Email: visaservicesphcnd@gmail.com
- Address: 2/50-G, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
- Indian High Commission, Islamabad
- WhatsApp: +92-3008543037
- Email: visa.islamabad@mea.gov.in
For lost passports or legal issues, report to local police and then contact the Pakistani High Commission.
The Seema Haider Case
Seema Haider is a Pakistani woman who illegally entered India in 2023 via Nepal to marry her Indian partner, Sachin Meena, residing in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. She left her previous husband and home in Pakistan’s Sindh province, bringing along her four children. After marrying Sachin Meena, she converted to Hinduism and they recently had a daughter named Bharti Meena.
Following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir in 2025, India suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals as a retaliatory measure, ordering all Pakistani nationals to leave India within 48 hours. This policy directly affects Seema Haider, who now faces possible deportation despite her marriage and motherhood in India.
Her lawyer, Advocate AP Singh, argues that Seema should be exempt from the visa ban because she is no longer a Pakistani national. He claims her citizenship is now aligned with her Indian husband due to marriage and the birth of their child, and thus the government’s directive should not apply to her. Singh also highlighted that Seema’s case is under investigation by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) but she is out on bail and complying with legal conditions. He emphasized the legal principle that a mother is the best guardian for her child, arguing against deporting her and her daughter to Pakistan.
The final decision depends on whether the Indian government treats her as an exception due to her family ties and changed status or as a legal anomaly subject to the visa suspension. The Uttar Pradesh state authorities’ stance will also be crucial in determining her future.
Recent Case of a Woman Approaching Ministry of External Affairs Regarding Citizenship and Child Safety
There is a recent news case involving a woman who approached the Ministry of External Affairs concerning the citizenship and safety of her young child in a matter related to visa and nationality issues. While specific details about this case are limited in the search results, it appears to be connected to concerns over the child’s legal status and protection amid heightened scrutiny on cross-border movements and visa restrictions.
This case reflects growing anxieties among women and families caught in complex legal and diplomatic situations involving citizenship, child welfare, and national security. The involvement of the Ministry of External Affairs indicates the matter’s seriousness, likely requiring government intervention to ensure the child’s safety and clarify citizenship status.
Unfortunately, the search results do not provide detailed information or the identity of this woman or the precise nature of her petition to the Ministry. This suggests the case is recent and possibly still under consideration by authorities.
Summary
- Seema Haider: Pakistani woman who illegally entered India, married an Indian citizen, has a child, and now faces deportation after India suspended visas for Pakistani nationals post-Pahalgam terror attack. Her lawyer argues she should be exempt due to marriage and motherhood. The case is under ATS investigation but she remains hopeful to stay123579.
- Woman Approaching Ministry of External Affairs: A separate recent case involves a woman who sought help from the Ministry regarding her child’s citizenship and safety amid visa and nationality issues. Details are scarce, but it underscores concerns about children’s welfare in cross-border legal matters.
These cases highlight the complexities at the intersection of immigration law, national security, and human rights in the current geopolitical climate.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I apply for a new Indian visa as a Pakistani national?
No. All new visa applications for Pakistani nationals are suspended, including e-Visas.
2. What if I have a long-term or diplomatic visa?
You are currently exempt from the mass revocation but must monitor for updates from the Ministry of External Affairs.
3. Can I exit India via any border?
No. Only those who entered via Attari can exit through Attari before May 1, 2025. All others must use air routes or coordinate with authorities.
4. What if I am stranded or face harassment?
Contact the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi for urgent assistance.
5. Are there any exceptions for medical emergencies?
Medical visa holders can stay until April 29, 2025. After that, all must leave.
Key Takeaways on What Pakistani Nationals Can Do After Visa Revocation
The situation for Pakistani nationals in India is urgent and complex. What Pakistani Nationals can do after visa revocation is clear: check your visa status, prepare your documents, book your exit, and comply with all legal requirements. Contact your embassy for support and do not overstay, as legal consequences are severe.
Key Points on What Pakistani Nationals Can Do After Visa Revocation:
- Verify your visa status and deadline immediately.
- Book your departure (air or Attari border) as soon as possible.
- Prepare all documents and cooperate with authorities.
- Contact the Pakistani High Commission for help if needed.
- Avoid overstaying to prevent detention, fines, and travel bans.
Stay informed, act quickly, and share this guide with others affected. For real-time updates on what Pakistani Nationals can do after visa revocation, follow official embassy channels and government advisories.
This guide is updated for April 2025. Always confirm details with your embassy or official government sources, as rules may change without notice. For more on what Pakistani Nationals can do after visa revocation, bookmark this page and share it with your community.
