What Will Happen to Pakistanis Who Don’t Leave India by April 29 Deadline?

As the government's 'Leave India' notice for Pakistani nationals takes effect, authorities have issued stern warnings regarding the consequences of failing to leave the country by the specified deadlines. Pakistani citizens who do not depart by the April 29 cutoff could face arrest and prosecution, with penalties that may include a prison sentence of up to three years, fines of up to ₹3 lakh, or both.

These strict actions are in response to a terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals due to militants associated with Pakistan. In light of this, the central government has mandated the return of Pakistani nationals residing in India.

Under the Immigration and Foreigner's Act, 2025, any foreigner who exceeds their visa duration, breaches visa conditions, or enters restricted areas without authorization can face imprisonment for up to three years and fines of up to ₹3 lakh. Specifically, the Act states that:

"Any foreigner who remains in India beyond the validity of their visa or violates the conditions of their stay shall be subject to imprisonment for up to three years, a fine up to three lakh rupees, or both."

Deadlines for departure vary depending on the type of visa held. Those with SAARC visas were required to leave by April 26, while individuals on medical visas must depart by April 29.

The notice applies to various official visa categories, including tourist, business, and student visas, among others. However, long-term visas (LTVs) and diplomatic visas will remain valid after April 29, when all other Indian visas issued to Pakistani nationals are set to be canceled.

Four Pakistanis with Short-Term Visas Deported from Karnataka

In Karnataka, the state government has recently deported four Pakistani nationals living on temporary visas, yet 91 individuals with long-term visas continue to reside in the state. The central government has not issued any guidelines for the deportation of Pakistani Hindus with these long-term visas.

In the Bhatkal area, it is a tradition within the Navayat community to marry Pakistani individuals, which subsequently allows those nationals to receive long-term visas. At present, aeound 91 Pakistanis with such long-term visas are residing in Karnataka, including 14 in Bhatkal and one in Karwar, many of whom have established families.

Pakistani nationals are found in other cities across Karnataka, including Bengaluru, Kalaburagi, Mangaluru, and Mysuru. In Davanagere, one Pakistani individual is in their final year of medical studies and holds a valid visa. According to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), the state's deportation actions have thus far been limited to the four individuals with short-term visas.