(a) whether the Pakistani nationals who are migrating to India are being accorded refugee status;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to grant citizenship to those Pakistani nationals who have taken refuge in the country;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the number of foreigners who were granted long term visa and citizenship during the last three years and the current year, country-wise?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)
(a) to (d): 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). This Ministry had issued instructions on 7th March, 2012 to all State Governments/ Union Territory Administrations to consider requests of such Pakistan nationals belonging to minority communities in Pakistan, in the light of the general guidelines issued by the Government for dealing with cases of foreign nationals in India, who claim to be refugees, for grant of Long Term Visa (LTV). Grant of LTV to such Pakistani nationals is a continuous process. 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.
(e): The information in respect of foreigners who are granted Long Term Visa (LTV) is not centrally maintained. However, as per information available, during 2013 and 2014 (upto 30-06-2014), 3753 Pakistani nationals have been granted Long Term Visa. 1854 foreigners were granted citizenship during the last three years i.e 2011, 2012, 2013 and current year i.e 2014 country-wise is given in the Annexure.