SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES)
Context:
Recently, after the Pahalgam terror attack, India revoked all the visas issued to Pakistani nationals under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES).
Relevance:
GS-2 (Important International Institutions, International relations)
What is the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES)?
- It is a regional initiative that was decided to be launched during the 4th SAARC Summit held in Islamabad in 1988 to boost regional cooperation and allow travel among select categories of people across SAARC member countries.
- The SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) was officially launched in 1992.
- Eligible Categories: SVES covers 24 categories, including:
- Government officials
- Parliamentarians
- Judges
- Businesspersons
- Journalists
- Sportspersons
- Cultural delegates
- Diplomats
- Visa Sticker: Each eligible individual is issued a Special Travel Document or Visa Sticker by their own country’s immigration department, which is valid for 1 year.
- India-Specific Provisions:
- Nepal and Bhutan citizens don’t need a visa to enter India.
- Pakistani nationals were allowed limited access under SVES, especially for businesspersons.
In 2015, India revised rules for certain Pakistani businessmen to get a 3-year multiple-entry visa, valid in 15 locations.
- Recent Development: In 2024, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in India revoked all SVES visas issued to Pakistani nationals, asking those currently in India under this scheme to leave the country.
Prelims Practice Question:
Q. The SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES), recently in the news, was launched to:
A) Facilitate cross-border trade among SAARC countries
B) Enable visa-free travel for select individuals within SAARC nations
C) Allow foreign direct investment from SAARC nations
D) Promote military cooperation in South Asia
Answer: B) Enable visa-free travel for select individuals within SAARC nations
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