The Mizoram government is working to implement the Protected Area Regime (PAR) following a directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to reinstate the system after 13 years of relaxation. Mizoram Home Secretary Vanlalmawia stated that preparations are underway, including training Foreigner Registration Office officials on permit issuance through e-portals. A notification to inform the public about the reimposition will be issued if deemed necessary.
Under the reinstated PAR, foreigners visiting Mizoram must obtain a Protected Area Permit (PAP) or Restricted Area Permit (RAP) as per the Foreigners Protected Areas Order, 1958. These permits were previously relaxed to boost tourism, with exceptions for Afghan, Pakistani, and Chinese nationals.The MHA’s recent decision, communicated to Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland on Tuesday, comes amid heightened security concerns linked to cross-border influxes. Foreigners will now need prior permission to enter these states.
Although PAP and RAP requirements were suspended since 2011, foreigners were required to report to the Foreigner Registration Office within 24 hours of arrival. Mizoram is now realigning its procedures to comply with the MHA’s mandate.
