SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES)

Why in news?  The decision to restrict Pakistani nationals from traveling to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) reflects a major shift in India’s approach to bilateral relations and security concerns in the region. The declaration of Pakistani Defence Advisors in India as Persona Non Grata and reciprocal withdrawal of Indian Advisors from Islamabad highlights escalating diplomatic measures.

About the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES):

Purpose:

• The SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme was introduced to promote regional cooperation and people-to-people connectivity among member nations of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

Implementation:

• Launched in 1992, the scheme allows visa-free travel for specific categories of individuals, including diplomats, officials, parliamentarians, and business leaders, among others, within SAARC countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka).

Features:

• Special Exemption Stickers are issued on passports for eligible individuals.
• The visa exemption is subject to guidelines, such as permissible duration of stay and security protocols.

India’s Current Decision:

• Pakistani nationals are now barred from traveling to India under the SVES.
• All previously issued SVES visas to Pakistani nationals are declared invalid.
• Pakistani nationals in India under the scheme must leave within 48 hours.

Rationale behind India’s Move:

• Likely rooted in concerns over national security, including alleged misuse of the scheme.
• Reflects deteriorating India-Pakistan relations, particularly in light of incidents like cross-border terrorism and recent geopolitical tensions.

What is Persona Non Grata?

The term Persona Non Grata (Latin for “an unwelcome person”) is a diplomatic designation used under international law, specifically the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961. It is a formal declaration by a host country that a particular diplomat or official from another country is no longer welcome and must leave the host country.

Key Points about Persona Non Grata:

Legal Basis:

Defined in Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

• The host country is not required to justify its decision to declare a diplomat Persona Non Grata.

Who Can be declared Persona Non Grata?:

• Typically applies to foreign diplomats, including military attachés and consular officials.
• Can also extend to other individuals with diplomatic immunity.

 Effect of the Declaration:

• The declared individual loses the privileges and immunities associated with their diplomatic status.
• The individual is generally expected to leave the host country within a stipulated time, usually determined by the host nation.

Reasons for Declaration:

• Espionage or spying
• Involvement in activities that are hostile to the host country.
• Violation of diplomatic protocols or conduct considered inappropriate.

Reciprocity:

The declaration often leads to reciprocal actions, where the diplomat’s home country may also expel diplomats from the host country in response.

Recent Example in Context:

• In the news, India declared Pakistan’s Defence/Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi as Persona Non Grata.
• These advisors have been given one week to leave the country.
• This move reflects heightened diplomatic tensions and underscores the breakdown in bilateral communication.