It has been decided that all Afghan nationals henceforth must travel to India only on e-Visa. The Centre said on Wednesday, 25 August, citing the “prevailing security situation in Afghanistan and streamlining of the visa process by introduction of the e-Emergency X-Misc visa”.
The Ministry of Home Affairs said. “Keeping in view some reports that certain passports of Afghan nationals have been misplaced, previously issued visas to all Afghan nationals, who are presently not in India, stand invalidated with immediate effect. Afghan nationals wishing to travel to India may apply for e-Visa at www.indianvisaonline.gov.in.”
All Afghans irrespective of religion have to apply for an e-Visa at the official website if they wish to travel to India. Visa will initially be valid for six months they said. India, on August 17, had also announced that it would issue an emergency e-visa to Afghan nationals who want to come to the country in view of the prevailing situation in Afghanistan after the Taliban captured power there.
Thousands of Afghans rushed into Kabul’s main airport on August 16, some so desperate to escape the Taliban that they held onto a military jet as it took off and plunged to their deaths. The crowds rushed because the Taliban took just over a week to dethrone the country’s Western-backed government.
Image Credit: India TV
