Pak. announces new visa policy

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD, OCT. 13. Pakistan has announced a liberalised visa policy applicable for nationals of all countries barring those on the `negative list', including India.

Announcing the new policy at a news conference here today, the Pakistan Interior Minister, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Moinuddin Haider, said the visa policy with regard to India was on a reciprocal basis. ``We extend the same treatment to Indians as Pakistani citizens get from the Indian Government,'' he said.

The chief objective of the new visa policy is to encourage business visitors and tourists.

Under the new policy, all tourists, except nationals of countries on the negative list, will be issued 30 days landing permit at airports and other entry points on arrival. The Regional Passport Officers would have powers to grant entry visa up to three months, on application within validity of landing permit.

Pakistani missions abroad can issue multiple entry visas up to three years to businessmen and investors from 44 listed countries with ``substantial'' investment in Pakistan. Multiple entry resident visas up to three years will be issued to businessmen of all countries except those not recognised by Pakistan, who bring in an amount of U.S. $ 2,00,000.

It has been decided to exempt all foreigners from registration with police, except the nationals of countries on the negative list. Even in the case of countries on the negative list, except Indians and foreigners of Indian origin, their nationals in managerial category, who are issued work permit/visa will also be exempted from police registration.

The Minister disclosed that as a result of review the military Government has brought down the number of people on the `exit control list' (those who are barred from leaving the country) from over 6000 to 4000.

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Section  : International
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