Question : VISA TO PAKISTANIS

(a) the number of persons coming from Pakistan every month by trains, buses and other means of conveyance and the number of persons among them who return to Pakistan;

(b) the basis of granting visa to persons coming from Pakistan;

(c) whether the Government gather information regarding their activities, conduct etc. before granting them visa;

(d) if so, the details in this regard; and

(e) the steps taken by the Government to ensure timely return of those persons whose visa period has expired and the outcome thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS ( CH. VIDYASAGAR RAO )

(a): A statement showing month wise arrival and departure figures from January 2000 to March 2001 is annexed.

(b): Grant of visa to Pak nationals is governed by the Indo-Pak Visa Agreement 1974 as amended from time to time and executive instructions issued in this regard.

(c)&(d): It is ensured that persons against whom there is adverse report are not granted visa.


(e): The powers for detection and deportation of Pak nationals illegally staying in India have been delegated to the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. Besides, administrative instructions are issued to them from time to time to launch special drives to detect the overstaying Pak nationals for their immediate deportation. The number of Pak nationals traced out and deported since 1997 are as under:

1997	267	1998	283	1999	195	2000	108

ARRIVAL	DEPARTURE
January 2000	4363	4527
February 2000	3461	3996
March 2000	3779	3588
April 2000	5514	4601
May 2000	4239	4102
June 2000	5850	3872
July 2000	5059	5376
August 2000	4088	6413
September 2000	4885	4207
October 2000	6216	4751
November 2000	4397	6646
December 2000	2981	1128
Total	54832	53207

January 2001	4532	4095
February 2001	3538	3813
March 2001	3836	3082
Total	11906	10990