India announces new category of e-visa to speed up requests amid Afghanistan mess
By Team Newsable | First Published Aug 17, 2021, 9:43 AM ISTMeanwhile, India has evacuated its ambassador and the embassy staff in Kabul and are bringing them home in a special air force flight.
The Indian government has announced the creation of a new category of electronic visas to expedite applications from Afghans seeking to exit the Taliban-controlled nation. The new visa category is known as the "e-Emergency X-Misc Visa."
Thousands of Afghans flocked to Kabul's airport since the Taliban took control of the city on Sunday, anxious to leave the landlocked country. As per various media reports, five individuals were killed in Monday's turmoil. However, it is unclear whether they perished as a result of US soldiers fire or a rush.
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Read more | Afghan conflict: At least 5 people killed as thousands throng Kabul airport to leave country
Taking to Twitter, the spokesperson of the Union Home Ministry said: "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 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.
— Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs)India stated it would "assist the return to India of individuals who desire to leave Afghanistan," with Hindus and Sikhs given precedence. Addressing the media, Arindam Bagchi, a spokeswoman for the foreign ministry, said that the government would take all necessary actions to guarantee the safety and security of the Indian people as well as our interests in Afghanistan.
Read more | IAF C-17 Globemaster in Kabul to bring back remaining Indians: Sources
Meanwhile, India has evacuated its ambassador and the embassy staff in Kabul and are bringing them home in a special air force flight.
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