Feb 04 , 2016
News
India toughens business visa rules for Pakistanis
OnlineNEW DELHI: Pakistani entrepreneurs seeking special business visa known as ‘India business card for the SAARC nations’ should run an enterprise worth 10 million Indian rupees, the Indian media quoted the Ministry of Home Affairs as saying on Wednesday. India is open to free movement of entrepreneurs in the South Asian region, but permission for Pakistani businessmen will come with conditions, the ministry said. The scheme aimed at boosting regional trade across South Asia is likely to be rolled out by April 1. A Pakistani business should have an annual income of at least Rs1 million to be eligible for a three-year multiple entry card. Further, the entrant should be a member of a chamber of commerce in Pakistan that is recognised by India. These conditions have been set keeping in mind the concerns raised by the intelligence agencies, sources said. However, a few relief measures have been offered to Pakistani travellers. Under the scheme, Pakistani entrepreneurs will be able to travel to 15 cities for a period of three years. Currently, they are eligible to avail the multiple-entry business visa for a maximum period of one year and can only travel to 10 places. Pakistani entrepreneurs will also be exempt from reporting to police on their arrival in India. “The decision will soon be put in place, as the mechanism has been approved by the top brass. With business travellers getting certain exemptions at the airports, the system will ensure a hassle-free entry and exit for them,” an Indian government official said.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk