After a five-year pause, India has finally reopened its visa services for Afghan nationals. This move comes shortly after a key meeting between China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, where they discussed expanding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan.
India had stopped giving visas to Afghans in 2021 when the Taliban took over the country. Now, Afghan citizens can once again apply for various types of visas, including those for business, medical treatment, education, and family visits.
The official Indian visa website has added a special section called the ‘AFGHAN Visa’ module. It allows Afghans to apply for student, business, medical, medical attendant, entry, and UN diplomat visas. To apply, they need to upload a recent photo, passport, and national ID card (Tazkira), showing personal details like name, birthdate, nationality, and ID expiry.
Entry visas are now also available for Afghan artists, cultural figures, academics, and professionals invited by Indian institutions. Family members of Afghan nationals married to Indians or OCI cardholders, including children from previous marriages, are also eligible.
Other eligible applicants include:
– Afghans who own property in India
Dependent parents of Afghan students studying in India
Parents of students under 18 years old
The business visa has also been expanded. It now includes Afghan sportspersons and coaches involved in paid sports events, investors, and entrepreneurs planning to start or manage businesses in India.
Previously, India only issued emergency visas for certain minority groups like Hindus and Sikhs stranded after the Taliban takeover. But recently, Indian officials met with Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister to discuss ways to support Afghan students and patients who wish to travel to India.
This reopening of visa services shows India’s effort to reconnect with the people of Afghanistan and build diplomatic bridges with the Taliban government.
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