India opens emergency e-visas for Afghans fleeing Taliban takeover
Officials say the ‘e-Emergency X-Misc Visa’ will be initially valid for six months and will be processed in New Delhi
NEW DELHI: The Union government on Tuesday announced a new category of emergency e-visas for Afghan nationals who want to come to India in view of the Taliban takeover of the country.
All Afghan nationals, irrespective of their religion, are eligible for the visa – named ‘e-Emergency X-Misc Visa’ -- for which applications will be processed in New Delhi as Indian embassy and consulates’ are not operating in Afghanistan now other than the evacuation of stranded officials and Indians.
Initially, the visa will be valid for six months, people familiar with the development said.
“...in view of the current situation in Afghanistan .... new category of electronic visa called ‘e-Emergency X-Misc Visa’ introduced to fast-track visa applications for entry into India,” a home ministry spokesperson said in a tweet.
People cited above said the Indian government decided to provide visas to Afghan nationals keeping their “security in mind”.
NEW DELHI: The Centre on Tuesday announced a new category of emergency e-visas for Afghan nationals who wish to come to India in view of Taliban takeover of the country.
All Afghan nationals, irrespective of their religion, are eligible for the visa – named ‘e-Emergency X-Misc Visa’ for which applications will be processed in New Delhi as Indian embassy and consulates’ are not operating in Afghanistan now other than the evacuation of stranded officials and Indians.
Initially, the visa will be valid for six months, people familiar with the development said.
“The ministry of home affairs reviews visa provisions in view of the current situation in Afghanistan. A new category of electronic visa called ‘e-Emergency X-Misc Visa’ introduced to fast-track visa applications for entry into India,” a home ministry spokesperson said in a tweet.
The development comes two days after Taliban fighters entered Kabul, completing the takeover of the country following which President Ashraf Ghani left the country along with his family members and close aides.
Although Taliban has repeatedly claimed it will create a safe and secure environment for the people, foreigners, charities, activists and embassies, thousands are trying to exit the country through Kabul airport, only way out of Afghanistan right now, fearing restrictions on their movement, liberties and tortures.
People cited above said the Indian government decided to provide visas to Afghan nationals keeping their “security in mind”. “Those who wish to travel to India can apply for this visa online following which applications will be examined and processed in New Delhi,” said an government official, who didn’t want to be named.
Thousands of Afghans rushed to Kabul airport on Monday, some so desperate to escape the Taliban that they held onto a military jet as it took off and plunged to their deaths.
At least seven people died in the chaos, US officials said, as America’s longest war ended with its enemy the victor.
There were no major reports of abuses or fighting reported till Tuesday, but many residents stayed home and remained fearful after the insurgents’ advance saw prisons emptied and armories looted.
As reported by HT, several Indian Jihadis lodged in Kabul’s prisons have also been released among hundreds of others.