Actually, this decision has been taken keeping in mind the reports in which it was claimed that some passports of Afghan citizens have been lost. In such a situation, visas issued earlier to Afghan citizens who are not currently in India, become invalid with immediate effect.
After the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan, the central government has taken a big decision. According to this decision, Afghan citizens will now be able to travel to India only on E-Visa. Through this order, an attempt has been made to streamline the visa process by introducing the e-emergency ex-variety visa.
Actually, this decision has been taken keeping in mind the reports in which it was claimed that some passports of Afghan citizens have been lost. In such a situation, visas issued earlier to Afghan citizens who are not currently in India, become invalid with immediate effect. This decision has been taken at a time when India is trying to evacuate itself and other citizens after the Taliban occupation of Afghanistan.
Owing to the prevailing security situation in #Afghanistan, all Afghan nationals henceforth must travel to India only on e-Visa: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) pic.twitter.com/btyzOzt9Iv
— ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2021
Earlier, India had announced to issue emergency ‘e-Visa’
Even before this, in view of the current situation in Afghanistan, India announced on August 17 that an emergency ‘e-visa’ would be issued to Afghan nationals who wish to come to India. All Afghan citizens of any religion can apply online for ‘e-emergency and other visas’ and their applications will be processed in New Delhi.
A spokesperson of the Ministry of Home Affairs had said that, “The Ministry of Home Affairs has reviewed the visa provisions in view of the current situation in Afghanistan. A new category of ‘e-emergency and other visas’ has been created for speedy decision making on visa applications for entry into India.
Officials said that due to the closure of India’s missions in Afghanistan, visas can be applied online and the applications will be scrutinized in New Delhi. He said that initially the visa will be given for a period of six months. He said security issues would be looked into while processing the applications and granting visas to Afghan nationals. Afghan citizens of all religions can apply for a visa.
