October 11, 2017
The immigration authorities of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries gathered in Kathmandu today to discuss related issues concerning SAARC group.
This meeting of the Core Group of SAARC immigration authorities witnessed the participation of representatives of the immigration officials of the SAARC member states.
As part of the gathering, SAARC Secretary General Amjad Hussain B Sial held discussions with the group and visa experts at the SAARC Secretariat.
In his address, Sial informed that the SAARC member states are considering motor vehicles, railways’ agreements and air services related to the SAARC group for a strong regional integration.
The Secretary General urged for a strong infrastructure and ease in visa and immigration rules to benefit public through the aforementioned agreements.
Simplifying visa procedures is expected to boost intra-SAARC trade, strengthen economic ties between the SAARC member states and facilitate ways for achieving the goals of South Asian Economic Union (SAEU).
Eighth such meeting of the SAARC authorities also mandated the development of security software for electronic visas under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme.
The Scheme was launched during the 5th SAARC Summit held in November 1990 in the Maldives with a goal of achieving visa-free regime in the region.
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