Multiple entry Indian visa for businessmen of Saarc region

India is all set to issue multi-city, multiple-entry business visa to businessmen of Saarc countries beginning from April 1.

The business visa, to be called "India Business Card", is expected to be granted for a period of up to five years or for a shorter duration as per the requirement of the businessmen of member states of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc).

"We are planning to launch it [the business visa] by April 1," said a senior Indian home ministry official yesterday.

Pakistani entrepreneurs seeking special business visa, known as "India business card", for the Saarc nations should run an enterprise worth one crore Indian rupees and should have an annual income of at least 10 lakh Pakistani rupees to be eligible for a three-year multiple entry card.

The other condition is that one should be a member of any chamber of commerce in Pakistan that is recognised by India.

Other than Pakistan, there are no visa conditions for rest of the Saarc countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives. Nationals from Bhutan and Nepal do not require a visa for India.

But there are reliefs for Pakistani travellers too. Pakistanis availing the facility can travel to 15 cities for three years.

Currently, they are eligible for multiple-entry business visa for a maximum period of one year and can only travel to 10 places.

Under the new scheme, Pakistani entrepreneurs will be exempted from reporting at the local police station, a must for Pakistanis coming to India on any other visa now.