SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme: Overview and Implications
Why in News?
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SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme: Overview and Implications, The SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme has recently gained attention due to discussions around revitalizing regional cooperation among South Asian countries, especially in light of dormant SAARC activities and renewed diplomatic efforts to enhance connectivity and people-to-people contact in the region.
Important Key Points:
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About the Scheme:
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Introduced in 1992, the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme facilitates visa-free travel for specific categories of people among SAARC member states.
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It aims to promote regional cooperation by easing travel barriers.
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Eligible Categories:
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The scheme applies to diplomats, government officials, journalists, businesspersons, and sports persons, among others.
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Over 500 categories of individuals benefit from this visa exemption.
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SAARC Visa Stickers:
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Eligible individuals are issued a Visa Exemption Sticker, which allows multiple entries without a visa for up to 90 days.
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These stickers are issued by the respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs of SAARC countries.
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Current Status:
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Although the scheme is operational, its effectiveness has reduced due to political tensions among member countries—particularly India and Pakistan.
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The lack of SAARC summits and minimal regional engagement have impacted its practical implementation.
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Significance of the Scheme:
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It plays a vital role in boosting regional integration, encouraging academic, cultural, and economic exchange, and promoting mutual trust.
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Can serve as a foundation for broader mobility agreements in the region if properly revived.
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Challenges:
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Geopolitical tensions, security concerns, and lack of political will hinder the scheme’s potential.
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Inadequate digital infrastructure for processing and verifying stickers is another challenge.
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