Decisions on visas to Pakistan nationals to be speeded up

Both the officials are understood to have discussed issues relating to the two countries.

Decisions on granting visas to Pakistani nationals are likely to be speeded up by the Indian government by simplifying the necessary processes.

Union Home Ministry officials are working on simplifying processes for “quick decision making” on visa applications by Pakistani nationals, official sources said today.

The matter regarding grant of visas by India was discussed between Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Gautam Bambawale here today.

Both the officials are understood to have discussed issues relating to the two countries.

The sources said the officials discussed ways to upgrade existing facilities at its Attari immigration check point in Punjab.

The Home Ministry is seeking to ensure that a decision whether to grant a visa or not to a Pakistani national is taken in a minimum time and its modalities are understood to have discussed during the 30-minute-long meeting, the sources said.

At present, there is no time limit for deciding on an application. It mainly depends on security clearance from the immigration and security agencies.