12 Pakistanis are in Odisha on long-term visas; process begins to serve exit notices

The process of issuing notices to 12 Pakistani nationals residing in Odisha on long-term visas (LTVs) has been initiated following a directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India. These individuals, who have been living in the state for extended periods, will soon be formally asked to leave the country, officials confirmed.

According to reliable sources, the decision follows a nationwide reassessment of foreign nationals residing in India, particularly those holding long-term visas issued on humanitarian grounds or under special circumstances. 

Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah dialled Chief Ministers of all the states and asked them to ensure that no Pakistani stays in India beyond the deadline set for leaving the country, sources said.

India on Thursday announced revoking all visas issued to Pakistani nationals from April 27 and advised Indian nationals residing in Pakistan to return home at the earliest, as tensions between the two countries escalated over the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists, on Tuesday.

Amit Shah personally called up the Chief Ministers of all the states and asked them to ensure that no Pakistani stays in India beyond the deadline, sources said.

The Chief Ministers were also told to identify the Pakistani nationals staying in their respective areas and ensure their deportation, the sources said.

The MHA has instructed State governments to review the status of such individuals and begin procedures to ensure compliance with national security protocols and immigration laws.

Exit Notices To 12 Pakistani Citizens In Odisha

In compliance with this central directive, the Odisha government has started the formal process to serve exit notices to the 12 Pakistani citizens currently residing in different parts of the state. Authorities are in the process of verifying the legal status, visa duration, and any pending applications for citizenship or asylum that the individuals may have submitted.

A senior official from the state home department stated, “We have received instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs to initiate the process of repatriation. All necessary legal procedures are being followed to ensure that the process is in line with national and international protocols.”

The presence of Pakistani nationals in India on long-term visas is typically governed by strict conditions, including regular police reporting, restrictions on movement, and no engagement in employment without permission. However, recent security assessments have prompted the Centre to re-evaluate all such residencies.

While the identities and locations of the individuals have not been disclosed due to security concerns, officials have assured that their exit will be monitored and carried out with due diligence. Law enforcement agencies, including local police and immigration authorities, have been placed on alert to oversee the process.

This move comes in the backdrop of heightened national security vigilance and reflects the Indian government’s broader push to tighten immigration policies and monitor foreign nationals residing in the country under special permissions.

The MHA’s directive is part of a wider strategy to maintain internal security and streamline immigration control mechanisms. Similar actions are likely to be replicated in other states where Pakistani nationals reside on long-term or temporary visas.

As the process unfolds, authorities in Odisha are coordinating with central agencies to ensure a smooth and lawful implementation of the exit procedure, reaffirming the state’s commitment to national policy and security compliance.