Pakistan imposes new visa conditions for madrassah students

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has decided to introduce new visa conditions for foreigners seeking admissions in madrassahs (religious seminaries).

According to the new policy formulated by the interior ministry, the aspiring foreign candidates would need to fulfill four requirements before getting admission in Pakistani seminaries.

Besides having sponsorship of a registered madrassah, the candidates would have to undergo a scrutiny through which Pakistani authorities will determine their financial position.

The students would need to receive no objection certificate (NOC) from their native countries, security clearance from Pakistan’s intelligence agencies and the departments concerned before attaining the visa.

Under the new policy, the visas would be cancelled if students are found violating the government’s orders.