The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is a regional intergovernmental organization established to foster economic, social, and cultural cooperation among its member states: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. One of its key initiatives to promote people-to-people contact and regional integration is the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES). This article provides a comprehensive overview of the scheme, including its history, rules, implementation, and recent developments.
History of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme
The idea for the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme was conceived during the Fourth SAARC Summit held in Islamabad, Pakistan, from December 29–31, 1988. Recognizing the importance of fostering people-to-people connections across South Asia, the leaders of the SAARC member states decided to create a mechanism that would facilitate easier travel for specific categories of individuals. They proposed the issuance of a special travel document that would exempt certain dignitaries and professionals from visa requirements when traveling within the SAARC region.
The scheme was officially launched in 1992, marking a significant step toward regional cooperation. The initiative aimed to strengthen ties among member states by enabling seamless travel for individuals who play critical roles in diplomacy, governance, business, media, and sports. Over the years, the scheme has been reviewed and refined to ensure its effectiveness and relevance, with the Council of Ministers periodically updating the list of entitled categories.
Objectives of the Scheme
The primary objective of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme is to promote people-to-people contact among the citizens of SAARC countries. By exempting certain categories of individuals from visa requirements, the scheme seeks to:
- Facilitate easier travel for dignitaries, professionals, and other key figures to attend regional meetings, events, and collaborations.
- Strengthen regional cooperation in areas such as trade, culture, education, and sports.
- Foster mutual understanding and goodwill among the peoples of South Asia.
- Support the broader goals of SAARC, which include economic growth, social progress, and cultural development.
Rules and Eligibility Criteria
The SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme is not a general visa-free travel program for all citizens of SAARC countries. Instead, it is limited to specific categories of individuals deemed essential for regional cooperation. Below are the key rules and eligibility criteria:
Eligible Categories
The scheme currently covers 24 categories of entitled persons, including:
- Dignitaries (e.g., heads of state, government officials, and diplomats)
- Judges of higher courts
- Parliamentarians
- Senior officials (e.g., government bureaucrats and SAARC Secretariat officials)
- Businesspersons (particularly those recommended by the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
- Journalists
- Sportspersons
- Other professionals such as academicians, artists, and cultural figures involved in SAARC-related activities.
The list of entitled categories is periodically reviewed by the SAARC Council of Ministers to ensure it aligns with the organization’s objectives. In February 2011, SAARC foreign ministers approved a liberalized version of the scheme, allowing select journalists, businesspersons, and sportspersons to receive long-term, multi-entry visas after prior clearance.
Issuance of Visa Stickers
- The special travel document under the scheme is known as the SAARC Visa Exemption Sticker. It is issued by the respective member state to eligible individuals from that country.
- The sticker is affixed to the passport and allows multiple entries into other SAARC countries without the need for a separate visa.
- The validity of the SAARC Visa Exemption Sticker is generally one year, after which it must be renewed.
Administration and Oversight
- The scheme is administered by the immigration authorities of each SAARC member state, which are responsible for issuing the visa stickers and verifying eligibility.
- Periodic reviews are conducted by the immigration authorities to ensure compliance and address any challenges in implementation.
- The SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry plays a key role in recommending businesspersons for the scheme, particularly those who meet specific criteria, such as being among the top 200 leading businesspersons or members of national chambers/federations.
Exclusions
- The scheme does not apply to the general public or tourists. It is strictly limited to the 24 designated categories.
- Bilateral visa agreements between SAARC countries (e.g., visa-free travel for citizens of Nepal and Bhutan to India) are separate from the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme.
Implementation and Challenges
The SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme is implemented through close coordination among the immigration authorities of member states. The SAARC Secretariat, based in Kathmandu, Nepal, oversees the scheme’s broader framework, while the governing boards of regional centers provide additional support.
Despite its noble objectives, the scheme has faced several challenges:
- Limited Scope: The scheme’s restriction to 24 categories excludes the vast majority of citizens, limiting its impact on broader people-to-people contact. Proposals for a more inclusive SAARC visa regime, similar to the European Union’s Schengen visa system, have been discussed but not implemented.
- Geopolitical Tensions: Political conflicts, particularly between India and Pakistan, have hindered the scheme’s effectiveness. For example, SAARC summits have not been held since 2014 due to these tensions, impacting regional cooperation initiatives like the visa scheme.
- Bureaucratic Hurdles: The process of obtaining the visa sticker can be cumbersome, requiring verification and approvals from multiple authorities.
Recent Developments: Suspension for Pakistani Nationals
On April 23, 2025, the Government of India announced the suspension of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals, following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated that Pakistani nationals would no longer be permitted to travel to India under the scheme, and those already in India on SVES visas were required to leave within 48 hours. All previously issued SVES visas for Pakistani nationals were deemed canceled.
This decision was part of a broader set of measures taken by India in response to the attack, which was attributed to cross-border terrorism supported by Pakistan. The move has further strained India-Pakistan relations and raised questions about the future of SAARC initiatives, including the visa exemption scheme.
Impact and Significance
The SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme has played a modest but important role in fostering regional cooperation since its inception. Its key impacts include:
- Facilitating Diplomacy and Trade: The scheme has enabled diplomats, businesspersons, and other professionals to travel more easily for SAARC-related meetings, trade fairs, and cultural events.
- Promoting Cultural Exchange: By including categories like sportspersons and journalists, the scheme has supported regional tournaments, media collaborations, and cultural programs.
- Strengthening SAARC’s Vision: The scheme aligns with SAARC’s goal of promoting collective self-reliance and regional integration, even if its scope remains limited.
However, the scheme’s impact has been constrained by its exclusivity and the broader challenges facing SAARC, including political disputes and the organization’s perceived ineffectiveness since 2016.
Future Prospects
The SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme has the potential to evolve into a more inclusive and impactful initiative. Proposals for a broader SAARC visa regime, modeled on the Schengen system, have been floated to promote tourism, medical tourism, and trade across the region. Such a regime could significantly boost South Asia’s economic and cultural integration, given the region’s shared history and diversity.
However, the realization of these proposals depends on overcoming geopolitical tensions, particularly between India and Pakistan. The recent suspension of the scheme for Pakistani nationals underscores the fragility of SAARC initiatives in the face of bilateral conflicts. For the scheme to thrive, SAARC member states must prioritize dialogue, trust-building, and a shared commitment to regional cooperation.
Conclusion
The SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, launched in 1992, represents a pioneering effort to promote people-to-people contact and regional cooperation in South Asia. By exempting 24 categories of individuals from visa requirements, the scheme has facilitated travel for dignitaries, professionals, and other key figures. However, its limited scope, bureaucratic challenges, and vulnerability to geopolitical tensions have restricted its impact.
As SAARC navigates its challenges, including the suspension of the scheme for Pakistani nationals in 2025, the future of the visa exemption program remains uncertain. Nevertheless, with renewed commitment and innovative reforms, the scheme could serve as a cornerstone for deeper integration and connectivity in South Asia, fulfilling the vision of a united and prosperous region.