Source: NIE
Context: The Indian government has reinstated the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime in Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland due to security concerns stemming from the influx of people from neighbouring countries.
About Protected Area Permit (PAP):
- What it is: An official document required for foreign nationals to visit certain “protected” areas in India under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958.
- States Under PAP:
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Manipur
- Mizoram
- Nagaland
- Sikkim (partly protected)
- Parts of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand
- Authority to Declare PAP: Declared by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958.
- Procedure to Obtain PAP:
- Application submitted to Indian Missions abroad or competent local authorities in India.
- Cases requiring special clearance referred to MHA with state government recommendations.
- PAP valid for group tourists or individuals with extra-ordinary reasons.
- Features of PAP:
- Valid for group tourists (minimum of 2 people).
- Restricted to specified circuits/routes and entry/exit points.
- Foreigners must register with the district Foreigners Registration Officer within 24 hours.
- PAP is time-bound, and overstaying is prohibited.
- Citizens from Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan require prior MHA
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