Over 250 Pakistanis of Goan origin visit Goa

NT NETWORK
Posted on 2008-12-16
PANAJI- Over 25o Pakistani nationals-mostly Roman Catholics of Goan origin settled in that country -- visit Goa in a year, stated the deputy superintendent of police, foreigners' branch, Ms Reena Torcato.
Ms Torcato said the Pakistani nationals of Goan origin visit Goa mostly during the feast of St Francis Xavier at Old Goa, Christmas season or on the occasion of New Year celebrations.
Annually, over 200-250 Pakistani nationals of Goan origin visit their friends, relatives, business partners in Goa. But this year, in September we had eight visitors, in October there were 21, November had 18 visitors while in December so far only 11 have come to the state on a visiting visa, she informed
The DySP said at present no students from Pakistan are studying in the state.
She said these Pakistani visitors’ trips to Goa is restricted to certain areas and the places of their visit are mentioned on their passports, besides their entry and exit points.
Their visits depend upon the period stipulated on their visa – it could be a 45-day stay or a 30-day stay. And they have to report to police stations within 24 hours of their arrival in the state. They never outstay their visa period. And if something goes wrong we intimate them as soon as possible as their lodging details are always with the police, she informed.
On visa norm violations, Ms Torcato there are some violations of visa norms as laws against overstaying are very strict and the Indian government issues only visiting visas.