India offers emergency e-visa for Afghans after Taliban takeover

The announcement came two days after the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan.

All Afghans, irrespective of their religion, can apply for the ‘e-Emergency X-Misc Visa’ online and the applications will be processed in New Delhi.

“The MHA 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.

Officials said since Indian missions in Afghanistan are shut, the visa can be applied online and applications will be examined and processed in New Delhi.

The visa will initially be valid for six months, they said.

Security issues will be looked into while processing the applications and granting the visa to Afghan nationals, the officials said.

All Afghans, irrespective of their religion, can apply for the travel document.

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.

SOURCE: AGENCIES