The Indian government has issued a strict ultimatum to Pakistani nationals residing in the country, warning that failure to exit within the prescribed deadline will result in arrest, prosecution, and possible imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of up to ₹3 lakh, or both.
The directive follows the terror attack at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, where 26 people—mostly tourists—were killed by terrorists linked to Pakistan. In the wake of the incident, a ‘Leave India’ notice was issued to all Pakistani nationals. The deadline for those holding SAARC visas was set for April 26.
For individuals carrying medical visas, the deadline to leave India has been extended until April 29. Additionally, holders of 12 categories of visas — visa on arrival, business, film, journalist, transit, conference, mountaineering, student, visitor, group tourist, pilgrim, and group pilgrim — have also been directed to exit the country by Sunday.
The government’s move is backed by the provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, which came into effect on April 4. The Act states:
“Whoever,—(a) being a foreigner, remains in any area in India for a period exceeding the period for which the visa was issued to him or stays in India without a valid passport or other valid travel document in contravention of provisions of Section 3 or does any act in violation of the conditions of the valid visa issued to him for his entry and stay in India or any part thereunder; (b) contravenes any other provisions of this Act… shall be punishable with an imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with a fine which may extend to three lakh rupees or with both.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah personally intervened in the matter on Friday, contacting the chief ministers of all states to ensure strict compliance with the order. Following Shah’s telephonic conversations, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan conducted a video conference with the chief secretaries, directing them to guarantee that all Pakistani nationals whose visas were revoked must leave India by the set deadlines.
Diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan, already strained, have deteriorated sharply after the Pahalgam attack. New Delhi has initiated several retaliatory measures, including mass visa cancellations for Pakistani nationals, while Islamabad has responded with a series of tit-for-tat actions.