BACKGROUND

After Pakistan supported terror groups killed 26 innocent Indians, the Indian government has taken strict action against Pakistan. It includes suspension of Indus Water Treaty as well the cancellation of Pakistani nationals’ entry in India. India has suspended fresh visa services with immediate effect. 

As per the government, any SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India under SVES visa has 48 hours to leave India.  

What is the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme?

The SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, introduced in 1992, allows select individuals such as dignitaries, Judges of higher courts, Members of parliament, lawmakers, senior officials, business leaders, journalists, and sportspersons from member nations to travel across the region without a visa, using a special one-year 'Visa Exemption Sticker' issued by their home country. 

The scheme originated from the Fourth SAARC Summit held in Islamabad in December 1988. Visa stickers are issued by the respective countries and usually remain valid for one year. They allow unrestricted travel within member states without police reporting or additional paperwork.

However, following the Pahalgam attack in April 2025, India suspended this privilege for Pakistani nationals and directed those already in the country under the scheme to leave within 48 hours.

Similar facilities across the world

1. Schengen Visa Exemption / Free Movement (European Union) : It applies to Citizens of 27 member states of the European Union and allows passport-free movement across these 27 European countries. However some non-EU countries (like Norway, Switzerland) also participate.
2. ASEAN Visa-Free Travel (Southeast Asia)  : It applies to the zitizens of ASEAN member states (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam). Most ASEAN nations allow visa-free travel for other ASEAN citizens for stays of 14 to 30 days.
3. CARICOM Travel Facilitation (Caribbean) : It applies to Skilled nationals under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and allows visa-free entry and employment rights in other CARICOM states. 
4. ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement (West Africa) : It applies to the Citizens of the 15 ECOWAS member states. it allows right to enter, reside, and establish businesses in any other ECOWAS country without a visa.  
5. Mercosur Residence Agreement (South America)  : It applies to the zitizens of full and associate member states (e.g. Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay)