What Is The SAARC Visa Exemption? India Cancels SVES For Pakistan Nationals-—Full Details Inside
India Cancels SAARC Visa Exemption: After a terror attack which killed 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, the Centre suspended the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals. All Pakistani’s in India under the scheme have been given 48 hours to leave the country.
The decision came after The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy group linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack at Pahalgam’s scenic Baisaran meadow.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) said governments across the world shared a “zero tolerance for terrorism” policy.
The SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme was a vital initiative that allowed easy visa-free travel across South Asian countries for select individuals. However in a recent move India has withdrawn this benefit for Pakistani nationals marking a significant policy shift. This article explains what SVES is why India made this decision and how it impacts regional travel.
What Is the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme SVES?
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) simplifies travel between member countries. This initiative grants visa-free passage to certain individuals, including diplomats, judges, and government officials.
The goal is to promote smooth movement encourage regional cooperation and strengthen cultural and political ties among member states.
Introduced in 1992 the scheme covered 24 categories of eligible individuals. These included parliamentarians senior journalists sportspersons business leaders and persons involved in SAARC-related activities. The idea was to enhance people-to-people contact and boost regional integration among SAARC countries.
Why Did India Cancel SVES for Pakistan?
India has ended its SAARC visa exemption program for Pakistani citizens due to security concerns and strained bilateral relations. The decision follows allegations of the program’s misuse and a need for enhanced security vetting of Pakistani travelers. This decision comes amidst deteriorating diplomatic ties between the two countries.
According to Indian authorities individuals from Pakistan who were previously eligible under SVES will now need to undergo the regular visa application process. This includes thorough scrutiny verification and approval. The move is aimed at increasing national security and controlling unauthorized activities across borders. It is not a blanket ban on Pakistani nationals but a revocation of the relaxed visa norms previously available under SVES.
How Does the SVES Work Across SAARC Countries?
The SAARC Visa Exemption Sticker (SVES) facilitates easier travel between South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) member states. A sticker issued by a traveler’s home country allows for up to a year of visa-free travel within the region, depending on the reason for travel. The program’s goal is to simplify cross-border movement, especially for professionals.
Each SAARC nation has its designated authorities to issue these stickers based on mutual understanding and eligibility. For instance diplomats on official assignments or journalists attending a regional conference could travel without waiting for visa clearances. However the cancellation of SVES for Pakistani nationals by India introduces a significant restriction in the otherwise smooth system.
Which Countries Are Included in SAARC?
SAARC or the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation includes eight member countries. These are India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Formed in 1985 the SAARC group was established to foster economic cooperation social progress and regional integration among these South Asian nations.
A regional organization implemented initiatives like the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) to boost cross-border cooperation. However, India’s exclusion of Pakistan from SVES, despite ongoing support from other member states, signals a shift in policy potentially driven by geopolitical and security issues.
Conclusion
India’s suspension of visa-free travel for Pakistani citizens under the SAARC agreement reflects the current tension between the two nations. Although this affects their bilateral ties, the agreement remains in effect for other South Asian countries. This action demonstrates India’s focus on security over broader regional cooperation within the SAARC framework.
Travelers from Pakistan will now need to apply through regular visa channels to enter India adding more steps to the process. As regional cooperation continues to evolve, visa policies will remain a significant part of diplomatic strategies. This development marks a notable change in India’s approach toward regional travel especially in the context of strained relations with Pakistan.
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