Relaxation of Restrictions for Foreign Tourists Mooted

A CORRESPONDENT

ITANAGAR: With an aim to facilitate foreign tourists and to promote tourism, the provisions for grant of “Protected Area Permit” (PAP) and “Restricted Area Permit” (RAP) to foreign nationals were reviewed in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) by Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju. As per previous guidelines, approval of MHA was required before grant of PAP or RAP to a foreign national, in case he intends to visit a place in the PAP or RAP for activities other than tourism on a visa other than Tourist Visa or a foreign national visiting a place for tourism purpose which is not opened for tourism.

Now, these powers to grant PAP or RAP to foreign nationals have been delegated to the Home Department of the State Government/UT Administration concerned or the Foreigners Regional Registration Officers (FRROs). The delegation of power will not be applicable to nationals of countries under Prior Reference Category (PRC). This move will facilitate foreign tourists to visit some of the pristine locations of the country.