Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has urged the Central Government to extend the exemption from the Protected Area Permit (PAP) requirement for foreign nationals visiting Nagaland throughout the year. He said the existing 10-day relaxation during the annual Hornbill Festival is insufficient to support the state’s tourism, trade and investment sectors. In a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Rio welcomed the Ministry of Home Affairs’ decision to relax the Protected Area Regime from December 1 to 10 every year.
However, he requested a broader exemption to attract more international visitors, investors and business delegations. He also sought special relaxations for foreign sportspersons, diplomats and representatives of international companies working with the Nagaland government.
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Key Facts About Nagaland’s PAP Exemption Demand
- State: Nagaland, Northeast India.
- Chief Minister: Neiphiu Rio.
- Union Home Minister: Amit Shah.
- Existing PAP relaxation: December 1 to 10 every year.
- Requested 2026 exemption: November 15 to December 15.
- Main objective: Promote tourism, trade, investment and international cooperation.
- Key event: Hornbill Festival.
- Other beneficiaries requested: Foreign investors, business representatives, sportspersons, diplomats and international partners.
Neiphiu Rio Seeks Extended PAP Exemption for 2026
In his letter to Amit Shah, Neiphiu Rio welcomed the Centre’s decision to relax the Protected Area Regime in Nagaland for 10 days during the Hornbill Festival.
However, he explained that the limited exemption does not meet the state’s broader economic and tourism requirements.
For the 2026 Hornbill Festival, the Chief Minister requested an extension of the exemption from November 15 to December 15. He pointed out that many international tourists arrive before the festival begins and remain in the state after it ends to explore Nagaland’s cultural heritage, traditions and tourist destinations.
According to Rio, the existing 10-day window creates logistical difficulties for foreign tourists, travel agencies, tour operators and hospitality businesses. Consequently, these restrictions could reduce the economic benefits that Nagaland could generate from international tourism.
CM Seeks PAP Relaxation for Foreign Investors and Business Delegations
Apart from tourism, Rio has requested exemptions for foreign investors, corporate representatives and international business delegations visiting Nagaland for trade and investment activities.
He also proposed extending the relaxation to their accompanying family members.
The Chief Minister believes that easier travel arrangements would encourage international companies to explore business opportunities in Nagaland. Moreover, it could strengthen international partnerships and support employment generation.
Rio also highlighted the role of foreign companies and institutions working with the state government on human resource development, skilled employment and overseas placement opportunities.
He requested similar exemptions for representatives of countries that maintain international partnerships with Nagaland.
PAP Exemption Sought for Foreign Sportspersons
The Chief Minister also raised concerns about the impact of PAP restrictions on sporting events.
He sought exemptions for foreign sportspersons, professional players, coaches, technical officials and team management personnel participating in competitions in Nagaland.
Referring to the Indian Football League, which Nagaland is hosting, Rio said national-level clubs were scheduled to arrive from November 14. Some participating teams also include foreign players.
He warned that the existing permit restrictions could create difficulties for their participation and movement within the state.
Therefore, he requested the Centre to provide suitable relaxations to ensure smooth arrangements for sporting events.
Nagaland’s Year-Round Tourism Potential
Describing Nagaland as the ‘Land of Festivals’, Rio emphasised that the state organises cultural celebrations and tourism activities throughout the year.
He argued that limiting the PAP exemption to just 10 days cannot support the long-term development of the tourism and hospitality industries.
The Chief Minister also referred to the difficulties caused by a similar limited exemption last year. He reiterated that Nagaland needs a broader arrangement to welcome international visitors and encourage economic activities.
Although he acknowledged the security considerations behind the Protected Area Regime, Rio said legitimate tourism, business, cultural and sporting activities should not face unnecessary restrictions.
Why Is the PAP Exemption Important for Nagaland?
A Protected Area Permit (PAP) is a mandatory travel document for foreign nationals visiting or staying in designated protected areas of India, including certain regions of the Northeast.
Nagaland’s demand for a wider exemption aims to make international travel easier while supporting the state’s economic development.
A comprehensive relaxation could help attract foreign tourists, encourage international investment, strengthen business partnerships and create employment opportunities.
Rio also said the proposal aligns with the Centre’s vision of developing Northeast India as a major destination for tourism and investment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who has requested a year-round PAP exemption for Nagaland?
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has requested the Central Government to extend the exemption.
2. Who received the request?
Rio wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
3. What is the existing PAP exemption period?
The Centre has relaxed the Protected Area Regime from December 1 to 10 every year during the Hornbill Festival.
4. What exemption has Nagaland requested for 2026?
The Chief Minister has requested an extended exemption from November 15 to December 15, 2026.
5. Who could benefit from the proposed relaxation?
Foreign tourists, investors, business delegations, sportspersons, diplomats and representatives of international companies could benefit.
6. Why does Nagaland want a year-round exemption?
The state wants to promote tourism, attract investment, strengthen international partnerships and generate employment throughout the year.
7. What is a Protected Area Permit?
A PAP is a travel document required by foreign nationals visiting designated protected areas in India.
The proposal highlights Nagaland’s efforts to expand its international tourism and investment opportunities. A broader PAP exemption could also strengthen the economic potential of the entire Northeast region.
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