Pakistan and India will start new visa regime for the people more than 65 years of age and provide them visa-on-arrival with effect from Tuesday (today).
The India High Commission (IHC) in Islamabad while highlighting the implementation of this facility from January 15 said that the visa on arrival would be available daily between 10am to 4pm to Pakistani passport holders of more than 65 years of age, crossing on foot, only at Attari Immigration Checkpost and not through any other immigration/border point.
The Indian High Commission explained further Pakistani passport holders of more than 65 years of age could use this facility to visit any place in India except Indian-held Kashmir, Punjab, Kerala and other prohibited areas.
This facility can be availed for the sole objective to visit India to meet friends or relatives. This facility cannot be availed for business, medical, conference, employment, pilgrim or any other purpose, said the IHC press release.
For the latter category, applicants can approach the IHC in Islamabad and apply for Indian visa, as per the procedure.
A single entry exempted from police reporting visa for 45 days stay and maximum up to 5 places will be endorsed under the visa on arrival facility. This facility could be availed for a maximum of two times in a calendar year and will be non-extendable and non-convertible. All such visa holders will be allowed to enter and exit only from Attari Immigration Checkpost on foot.
Pakistani passport holders of more than 65 years of age intending to avail this facility should fill the prescribed form and present it along with the required documents at the Attari Immigration Checkpost.
These documents include a copy of national identity card (NIC) with English translation, copy of a utility bill as proof of residence, Pakistani passport valid for at least six months, photocopy of passport, two passport size photographs, confirmation of booking in case he/she is to stay in a hotel in India, name and address of the person he/she is visiting in India; and a fee of Indian Rs 100 or $2 per individual.
The immigration officer at Attari reserves his or her right to refuse visa, if the applicant does not satisfy any of the conditions illustrated above or the applicant was earlier refused an Indian visa, read the IHC statement.
Applicants, who have been refused Indian visa earlier, if they intend to visit India, should approach the IHC, Islamabad and apply for Indian visa, as per the procedure. The visa on arrival facility will not be applicable to holders of diplomatic/official passports, read the statement.