The number in the last three and a half years has exceeded that of the preceding four years between 2011 and 2014 when 14,726 visas were granted to Pakistanis.
Over 15,000 Pakistanis, mostly Hindus, seeking refuge in India have been granted Long-Term Visas (LTVs) since 2015 when the government relaxed norms allowing online applications.
The number in the last three and a half years has exceeded that of the preceding four years between 2011 and 2014 when 14,726 visas were granted to Pakistanis.
This year, 6,092 Pakistanis have been given LTVs, already going past last year's total tally of 4,712.
An additional 1,500 applications from Pakistani nationals for LTVs are under considerations of the Home Ministry, officials said.
A long-term visa is granted for a period of five years and can be extended.
With 15,244 LTVs granted since 2015, the numbers have been on the rise every year after a liberalised visa policy of the Narendra Modi government was put in place. This was done to help minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who come to India after facing alleged persecution in their home country.
In 2015, 2,142 Pakistani nationals were given long-term visas and as many as 2,298 got it in 2016.
Under the latest policy of the central government, those belonging to minority communities in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, namely -- Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians -- staying in India on LTVs, are allowed to purchase a small dwelling unit sufficient to serve the needs of a family for self-use and suitable accommodation for carrying out self-employment.
According to the rules, they cannot buy immovable property in and around restricted and protected areas, including cantonments.
They are also allowed to obtain PAN cards, Aadhaar numbers and driving licences, take up self-employment or do business.
Going North
The number in the last three and a half years has exceeded that of the preceding four years when 14,726 visas were granted to Pakistanis
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