Two months late: India set to resume visa on arrival for senior citizens
Pakistanis over the age of 65 can now get a 45 day single-entry visa on arriving at Attari checkpost.
The visa regime was due to be implemented on January 15, 2013, but was suspended by India. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
After they had suspended the new visa regime for 'visa-on-arrival' facility for Pakistani senior citizens on reciprocal basis two months ago, India on Friday resumed the facility, Times of India reported.
The visa regime – agreed upon by Pakistan and Indian governments last September - was due to be implemented in mid-January. It would have allowed senior Pakistani citizens of over 65 years of age to get a single entry 'visa-on-arrival' (VoA) at the Attari, Wagah checkpost. The visa would be valid for 45 days.
However, as tensions boiled on the Line of Control in which soldiers on both sides were killed in early January, India unilaterally decided not to implement the regime.
At the time Indian officials explained that the operationalisation of the VoA was delayed as several security agencies had sought clarifications on facilities to be offered to the Pakistani citizens without Indian sponsors.
The visa regime – agreed upon by Pakistan and Indian governments last September - was due to be implemented in mid-January. It would have allowed senior Pakistani citizens of over 65 years of age to get a single entry 'visa-on-arrival' (VoA) at the Attari, Wagah checkpost. The visa would be valid for 45 days.
However, as tensions boiled on the Line of Control in which soldiers on both sides were killed in early January, India unilaterally decided not to implement the regime.
At the time Indian officials explained that the operationalisation of the VoA was delayed as several security agencies had sought clarifications on facilities to be offered to the Pakistani citizens without Indian sponsors.