India Launches New Visa System for Afghan Citizens with Six Distinct Categories

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has recently unveiled a new visa module for Afghan nationals, superseding the previous system and simplifying the process into six distinct categories. During a press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “A new module for Afghan nationals is now operational. We implemented this last month.”

The six visa categories now accessible to Afghan applicants comprise medical visa, medical attendant visa, business visa, entry visa, student visa, and UN diplomatic visa, he confirmed.

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Jaiswal emphasized that the old visa framework has been officially retired. “The new visa module for Afghan nationals became effective on 29th April, just last month,” he stated.

The revamped system is designed to provide enhanced clarity and accessibility for Afghan nationals wishing to travel or settle in India for particular purposes. “All Afghan nationals can now apply for Indian visas under these six categories,” the spokesperson remarked.

He further mentioned that Afghan citizens currently in India under the previous visa system must adapt to the new format. “Those Afghan nationals in India holding visas issued under the old policy will need to convert them as per the new guidelines. They should reach out to the FRRO in Delhi or elsewhere in India, depending on their location,” Jaiswal elaborated.

In highlighting the importance of this update, he noted that the revised visa module aims to strengthen the historical and cultural connections between the peoples of India and Afghanistan. “This new visa module will further enhance India-Afghanistan people-to-people relations,” he concluded.