India introduces new electronic visa in view of situation in Afghanistan

NEW DELHI, Aug 17, 2021, Business Standard. Taking cognizance of the current situation in Afghanistan, India has reviewed visa provisions and introduced a new category of electronic visa called “e-Emergency X-Misc Visa” with an aim to fast-track visa applications for entry into India, Business Standard reported.

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the nodal ministry to handle visa-related issues, took the decision and made the announcement on Tuesday, two days after the Taliban’s (Taliban is banned in Russia) stunning and rapid takeover of Afghanistan.

“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,” MHA Spokesperson said in a statement.

As many Indians are stuck in Afghanistan, India’s decision to ease out and cut short visa application process seems to be very helpful in providing quick help to the needy.

Taliban terrorists are assuming control of the Afghan capital of Kabul and have taken control of the presidential palace after the country’s president Ashraf Ghani left for Tajikistan on Sunday.

Later, several countries evacuated their diplomatic personnel from the country, and hundreds of people flocked to the Kabul airport in an attempt to leave Afghanistan.