NEW DELH: India is all set to issue multi- city, multiple-entry business visa to businessmen of SAARC nations including Pakistan, beginning April 1, 2016.

The business visa, to be called ‘India Business Card’ is expected to be granted for up to five years or less, as per the requirement. “Printing of the ‘India Business Card’ has been ordered in the India Security Press in Nashik. We are planning to launch it by April 1,” a senior Home Ministry official said.

There will be some special conditions for businessmen from Pakistan. But no visa conditions will apply for those from countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Maldives. Nationals from Bhutan and Nepal do not require a visa to enter India.

Pakistani entrepreneurs should run an enterprise worth one crore Indian rupees and have an annual income of at least 10 lakh Pakistani rupees to apply for a three-year multiple entry card. Also, the applicant should be a member of any Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan recognised by India.

Currently, they are eligible for grant of multiple-entry business visa for a maximum period of one year and can only travel to 10 places. Under the new scheme Pakistani entrepreneurs will be exempted from reporting at the local police station.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had, during the SAARC summit in Kathmandu in 2014, announced business visas with 3-5 years’ validity for citizens of all SAARC nations.