9 children from mixed-nationality families face dilemma after India suspends visa for Pakistanis

Following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian government has suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals and ordered all Pakistani citizens in India to leave the country. This directive has raised concerns over the status of children born to Indian mothers and Pakistani fathers, or vice versa.

According to reports, authorities are facing a dilemma about whether these children should be sent to Pakistan with their fathers or allowed to stay in India with their mothers. The issue has come to the forefront particularly in Madhya Pradesh, where nine such minors have been identified. 

The children are spread across different districts: three in Jabalpur, four in Indore, and two in Bhopal. In each case, the mother is an Indian citizen, and the father is Pakistani. Local police and administrative officials have sought guidance from both the state government and the Union Home Ministry regarding the legal status and future of these children.

The Indian government had set April 25 as the deadline for Pakistani nationals to leave the country. According to the directive, holders of SAARC visas and other short-term visas were required to exit India by April 26. Those on medical visas were allowed until April 29.

The Central government has instructed authorities to ensure that no Pakistani national overstays. Anyone found violating the order may face arrest, prosecution, imprisonment of up to one year, or a fine of up to ₹3 lakh.

However, exemptions have been made for holders of long-term visas, diplomatic or official visas. Additionally, Pakistani Hindu refugees fleeing religious persecution are not required to return.