These Pakistanis are allowed to enter India freely without much border restrictions, they hold a special…, no tough checks, no questions asked…, Know why

India.com

02-05-2025

While travel between India and Pakistan is usually heavily restricted, there's a small group of Pakistani citizens who are allowed to visit India with minimal hassle — even during tense times between the two countries. After recent security concerns, including the Pahalgam attack, both India and Pakistan have asked citizens staying on visas to return to their home countries. But even during such sensitive times, some Pakistani nationals are still being allowed into India. So, who are these people?
These individuals hold a special type of visa issued by India called the NORI Visa, which stands for 'No Objection to Return to India'. This visa is typically valid for five years and is mainly issued to people from neighboring countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Most of the recipients of this visa are Pakistanis who have married Indian citizens or have close family members living in India. Though they are allowed to live in India on this visa, they are not granted Indian citizenship.
Despite political tensions and strict immigration controls, holders of the NORI visa are allowed to enter India using their Pakistani passport without facing the same level of scrutiny or legal barriers that other Pakistani nationals might experience. They can also return to Pakistan and come back to India within the visa terms.
However, there are some rules. Even for NORI visa holders, the number of visits they can make to India each year is limited, and they must follow the visa guidelines strictly. But compared to regular visa holders, they enjoy a smoother and less restricted travel experience. What is the NORI Visa?
NORI stands for 'No Objection to Return to India', a special category of visa that India grants to select Pakistani and Bangladeshi citizens. Unlike tourist visas, this one isn't for sightseeing — it's meant for people with deep personal ties to India.
These are usually individuals who: Have married Indian citizens
Have close family members living in India, such as children or parents
Are dependent on relatives residing in India for care and support
The NORI visa allows them to stay in India for extended periods, often up to five years, but without being granted Indian citizenship. It's a humanitarian measure, intended to preserve family unity across a heavily monitored border.
In a significant development following weeks of uncertainty, more than 70 Pakistani women, all married to Indian citizens and holding NORI certificates along with Long-Term Visas (LTVs), were allowed to cross back into India through the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at the Attari border.
This comes after the Government of India revoked all Pakistani visas in the wake of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. The sudden decision had left many stranded on both sides of the border, especially Pakistani women who had traveled back to visit their families.
Despite holding valid Pakistani passports, NORI certificates, and LTVs, many of these women were prevented from returning to India by Pakistani immigration officials in recent days. Families in India were left anxious, fearing prolonged separation.