Dimapur: Police on Tuesday said foreign nationals continue to visit Nagaland without obtaining the mandatory protected area permit (PAP), in violation of existing regulations.In a statement, Dimapur commissioner of police and foreigners registration officer Aotula T Imchen said this persists despite repeated advisories and wide publicity through various media platforms.
Police reiterated that the relaxation earlier granted under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, has been withdrawn from Nagaland by the ministry of home affairs (MHA) through circular no.-602 on Dec 17, 2024, citing growing security concerns in the state’s border areas.All foreigners intending to visit Nagaland must now obtain a PAP from the authorities to whom powers have been delegated. These include the MHA, Indian missions abroad, FRROs, the Nagaland home commissioner, the resident commissioner (govt of Nagaland, New Delhi), and the secretary (tourism), Kohima.The statement clarified that citizens of Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan, as well as foreign nationals of origin from these countries, will continue to require prior approval from the MHA before visiting Nagaland. Similarly, prior MHA approval is necessary for granting PAPs to citizens of Myanmar.All foreigners visiting the state are required to register with the foreigners registration officer (FRO) of the district they enter within 24 hours of arrival. To facilitate travel and avoid delays, applications must be processed through the e-FRRO portal.The police further instructed the public, organisations, govt departments, travel agents, tour operators, hotels, guest houses, homestays, paying guest facilities, and other entities facilitating the visit or stay of foreign nationals to strictly ensure compliance with PAP requirements.They must verify that foreign nationals possess valid PAPs before arranging travel or providing accommodation in the state.
