What is SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES)?

In response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, the Government of India has announced that Pakistan nationals will no longer be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES).

About the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES):

• Launched in 1992, following the decision at the Fourth SAARC Summit (Islamabad, December 1988).
• Allows certain categories of individuals to travel visa-free within SAARC countries using a Visa Exemption Sticker (valid for one year).
• This visa is issued by their home country.
• Covers 24 categories, including:
  • Dignitaries
  • Judges of higher courts
  • Parliamentarians
  • Senior officials
  • Businesspersons
  • Journalists
  • Sportspersons

About SAARC:

• SAARC is short for South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
• Founded with the signing of the SAARC Charter in Dhaka on December 8, 1985.
• Comprises eight member countries:
  • Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.