The 48-hour ultimatum to Pakistani nationals to leave India is almost over, and the Central Government has made it clear that those who are caught living despite the guidelines will be jailed for at least 3 years. India-Pakistan's diplomatic relationship has hit rock bottom after the terror organisation LeT's offshoot, TRF, backed by Pakistan, carried out a terror attack in Pahalgam, slaughtering at least 26 innocent tourists. Amid another India-Pakistan war looming, multiple videos of Pakistanis and Indians have come to the fore who were visiting either of the nations due to their close relatives living there. As a result, India has now provided some relief to the Pakistanis who have relatives in India. The relief comes in the form of a NORI Visa. Below is all you need to know about NORI Visa-
What is the NORI Visa, and how will it help Pakistanis to travel to India again?
NORI stands for No Obligation to Return to India. As per reports, the NORI VISA is issued by India to Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals who have close relatives holding Indian citizenship. They include men and women who are married to Indian nationals. Interestingly, viral Pakistani woman Seema Haider is also married to an Indian man named Sachin Meena. Seema, who is a Pakistani national, was pleading with the government to let her stay in India and not deport her. However, whether Seema has this NORI Visa or not is not known.
Who will benefit from the NORI Visa?
Asma, a Pakistani citizen married and residing in India was quoted by AajTak, "I went to Pakistan in February to visit my family, but I got stuck there. I am extremely happy to return to India now, thanks to this decision by the Indian government."
This move especially benefits Pakistani citizens living in India who had traveled back to Pakistan temporarily. The decision now enables them to reunite with their families and resume their lives in India. "This is truly a big relief," Asma added. "Many Pakistani passport holders live in India, and now they can return from Pakistan."
According to official data, more than 1,000 Indian citizens have returned home from Pakistan via the Attari-Wagah border in the last six days. Additionally, over 800 Pakistani citizens have also crossed back into Pakistan. At the Attari-Wagah border, immigration officials, along with Pakistan Rangers and India's Border Security Force (BSF), are thoroughly verifying travel documents before allowing entry.
The latest directive is especially beneficial for individuals holding long-term visas, who were previously facing uncertainty and distress. On Sunday alone, 236 Pakistani citizens returned home from India, while 115 Indian citizens also made their way back into the country.
The government’s move is seen as a humanitarian step aimed at easing cross-border travel difficulties faced by families divided by the India-Pakistan border, especially in the wake of recent travel restrictions.