Guwahati: The Union Home Ministry has reinstated the Protected Area Regime (PAR) in the northeastern states of Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram, requiring foreigners to obtain prior permission and special permits for entry. The decision, as per the Manipur government, is a response to “growing security concerns arising out of an influx from neighbouring countries.”
This marks the end of a 14-year relaxation period during which the requirement for Protected Area Permits (PAP) was eased to encourage tourism. Effective immediately, the movement of foreigners in these states will be closely monitored under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958.
According to a report by the Hindu, as per guidelines issued by the Ministry, foreigners are generally discouraged from visiting protected areas unless there are “extraordinary reasons” to justify such visits. The Ministry informed the Chief Secretaries of Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland on Tuesday about the withdrawal of relaxation under the PAR, stating that the entirety of these states would now fall under the regime once again.
The Protected Area Regime had initially been relaxed in 2010 for one year and was later extended to promote tourism. The latest PAR order, issued on December 16, 2022, was set to remain valid until 2027. However, the Union Home Ministry’s directive now mandates all foreign nationals visiting these states to secure PAPs as per the original provisions of the 1958 order.
As per the guidelines, foreign nationals intending to visit Protected or Restricted Areas for purposes other than tourism, while holding a visa other than a Tourist Visa, must obtain prior permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs before a Protected Area Permit (PAP) or Restricted Area Permit (RAP) can be issued. Additionally, the specific purpose of the visit—such as business, employment, or studies—must be endorsed on the individual’s passport.
Furthermore, if a foreign national on a Tourist Visa seeks to visit areas not open for tourism within Protected or Restricted Zones, the case must be referred to the Ministry of Home Affairs for prior approval.
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