Now,MHA to scrutinise all visa applications from Pak

A pre-verification system was put in place even after the Parliament attack,but sources said nearly 80 per cent visas were still issued under the high commissioner’s discretionary quota. This was because the application forms were being sent through diplomatic bags and then handled manually,taking up to six months in certain cases for a proper response from Delhi.

Under the new system,the Home Ministry has a maximum of 30 days to revert to the Indian high commission after having cross-checked with the sponsor and verified the antecedents of the applicant. It will be the responsibility of the Indian high commission in Islamabad to upload every application (unless already filled online) on to a Delhi-based server through a virtual private network,which is a secure end-to-end channel that works alongside the internet.

As a result,authorised personnel in Delhi can access each applicant’s form the moment it is uploaded. Since it is compulsory to have the sponsor’s name and letter included in the form,the verification process will start immediately and related agencies will look into the case. As all state police headquarters are now connected online,North Block officials believe that a verification report should reach MHA in 21 days. The remaining week or so has been left as a cushion.

In case the Home Ministry is unable to provide a reply to the MEA or the Indian high commission within the stipulated time period,the Indian high commissioner has the liberty to use his discretionary powers. But,sources said,the Home Ministry has given a commitment that it will definitely provide a reply and,therefore,the discretionary powers should be used with “utmost caution”.

Home Minister P Chidambaram is said to have been quite determined to have this process put in place. This is in tune with what is followed by most developed countries,especially in the case of Pakistan. It also ensures that the Home Ministry remains in full control of the visa issuance process,at least in the case of Pakistan.

In fact,sources said,Chidambaram is expected to review the working of this system with the Indian high commission when he is in Islamabad next week. The long term idea is to keep a tab on each applicant and also their sponsors.

While certain teething problems have been reported,the government is backing the Home Ministry to streamline this process quickly. More so,North Block is also keen that efficiency levels improve with time so that replies can be given within a week or so,rather than waiting for the entire 30-day period.