NEW DELHI : Long Term Visa (LTV) has been granted to a total of 3,753 Pakistani nationals during 2013-14, the government said today.
Also, in the last four years, begining 2011, a total of 1,854 foreigners were granted citizenship of India, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said in a written reply in Lok Sabha.
“Some Pakistani nationals belonging to minority communities in Pakistan including Hindus, who came to India on valid visas, have not gone back to Pakistan on the grounds of religious persecution in Pakistan. Representations have been received requesting for allowing extension of visas of such Pakistani nationals and also for permitting them to apply for Long Term Visa (LTV)…
“As per extant instructions, the Pakistani nationals staying on Long Term Visa under eligible categories with intention of settling permanently and obtaining Indian citizenship are eligible to acquire Indian citizenship in accordance with the citizenship Act, 1955 and the Citizenship Rules, 2009,” the minister said. (AGENCIES)