New Delhi, July 02: The Home Ministry, which holds visa power on applications from Pakistanis, is bringing in stringent eligibility conditions to keep out “unwanted elements”.
Norms proposed by the Intelligence Bureau introduce an income criteria whereby only applications from those with monthly income exceeding Pakistani Rupees 25,000 would be entertained. An educational qualification at least High School would also be a must, IB sources said.
Besides, there will be “some financial criteria for the Indian sponsor that they visit” and “the status of the person standing surety would be examined before the visa is approved”.
Those applying for a business visa will have to show a monthly income of Pakistani Rs 1 lakh, with a minimum annual turnover of the sponsor company at Pakistani Rs 1 crore, to qualify for the visit.
Instead of the low visa fee of Pakistani Rs 15, applicants are likely to be charged $40 (INR 1,860) irrespective of the visa category.
-Agencies