India Resumes and Expands Afghan Visa Issuance with New Categories

Key Takeaways

• India resumed visa issuance for Afghan nationals in July 2025 after a nearly four-year freeze.
• Six visa categories launched: student, business, medical, medical attendant, entry, and UN diplomat visas.
• Applicants must register with FRRO within 14 days under new Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025.

India has resumed visa issuance for Afghan nationals as of July 2025, ending a nearly four-year freeze that began after the Taliban took control of Kabul in August 2021. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced this major policy change in April 2025, introducing a new visa system designed to address humanitarian needs and support people-to-people ties between India and Afghanistan. This move is expected to help thousands of Afghans, especially students, families, and business professionals, who have been waiting for a chance to travel, study, or reunite with loved ones in India.

The new visa policy for Afghan nationals comes at a time when regional security and humanitarian concerns remain high. India’s decision reflects both a desire to help Afghans in need and a careful approach to national security. The MEA has emphasized that the updated visa system is part of a broader effort to maintain traditional ties with the Afghan people while ensuring that India’s borders remain secure.

Key Changes in Visa Issuance for Afghan Nationals

India’s new visa module for Afghan nationals, launched in April 2025, introduces six main categories to make the application process clearer and more accessible. These categories are:

• Student visas
• Business visas
• Medical visas
• Medical attendant visas
• Entry visas (including for artists, academics, and cultural professionals)
• UN diplomat visas

Each category is designed to meet the specific needs of different groups within the Afghan community. For example, student visas allow Afghan students to enroll in Indian schools and universities, while business visas support Afghan investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals who want to set up or expand businesses in India. Medical visas and medical attendant visas help patients and their caregivers seek treatment in Indian hospitals.

The entry visa category has been expanded to include Afghan artists, academics, and cultural professionals who are invited by recognized Indian institutions. It also covers family members of Indian citizens or Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders, Afghan property owners in India, and dependent parents of Afghan students studying in India.

How the New Visa System Works

Afghan nationals can now apply for these visas through a new online platform, which aims to make the process more transparent and user-friendly. The steps are as follows:

1. Visit the official Indian visa portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in.
2. Select the appropriate visa category under the new ‘AFGHAN Visa’ module.
3. Complete the online application and upload all required documents, such as a valid passport, invitation letters, or proof of admission for students.
4. Submit the application and wait for processing. If approved, the visa is issued electronically or as a sticker, depending on the category.

This online system is intended to reduce paperwork, speed up processing times, and make it easier for Afghan nationals to track their applications. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the new digital approach is expected to help thousands of Afghans apply for visas more efficiently, especially those seeking education, medical care, or business opportunities in India.

Eligibility and Who Can Apply

The new visa categories cover a wide range of applicants:

• Students: Afghan nationals who have been admitted to Indian educational institutions can apply for student visas. This is especially important for those who had their studies interrupted by the visa freeze.
• Medical Patients and Attendants: Afghans seeking medical treatment in India, along with their caregivers, can apply for medical and medical attendant visas.
• Business Professionals: Afghan investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals planning to start or expand businesses in India are eligible for business visas. This category also includes sportspersons and coaches contracted for commercial sports events.
• Family Members: Family members of Indian citizens or OCI cardholders, Afghan property owners in India, and dependent parents of Afghan students can apply for entry visas.
• Cultural and Academic Professionals: Afghan artists, academics, and cultural professionals invited by Indian institutions are now eligible for entry visas.
• UN Diplomats: Afghan nationals working as UN officials can apply for UN diplomat visas for official assignments.

Security and Compliance Measures

While India has reopened its doors to Afghan nationals, the government has also introduced strict security and compliance measures. The new Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, sets out clear rules for all foreign nationals, including Afghans:

• Strict penalties for illegal entry, using forged documents, or overstaying a visa.
• Mandatory registration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) within 14 days of arrival for all foreigners on long-term visas.
• Centralized digital database and biometric tracking for all foreign nationals to improve monitoring and security.

These measures are designed to balance humanitarian outreach with the need to protect India’s borders and prevent illegal activities.

Historical Background: Why the Visa Freeze Happened

India suspended all visa services for Afghan nationals in August 2021 after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. The sudden change in government raised serious security concerns, and India limited its visa services to emergency e-visas, mainly for Afghan Sikhs and Hindus fleeing persecution.

Over the past two decades, India has invested more than $3 billion in Afghanistan’s reconstruction, supporting schools, hospitals, and infrastructure projects. The visa freeze disrupted many of these people-to-people connections, leaving students, families, and professionals stranded.

The resumption of visa issuance in 2025 marks a shift in India’s approach. The MEA has described the new policy as a way to continue supporting Afghan civil society, even as the political situation in Afghanistan remains uncertain.

Stakeholder Perspectives: How Different Groups Are Affected

• Indian Government: The MEA and Home Ministry have presented the new visa policy as both a humanitarian gesture and a practical step. They stress the importance of maintaining traditional ties with the Afghan people while keeping national security as a top priority.
• Afghan Community: Many Afghans, especially students and families separated by the visa freeze, have welcomed the change with cautious optimism. However, some remain unsure about how many visas will be issued and how smooth the application process will be.
• Experts and Analysts: Former diplomats and policy experts see the resumption of visas as necessary for normalizing relations and supporting Afghan civil society. Security experts, however, warn about the risks of terror groups and drug trafficking, highlighting the need for careful screening and monitoring.

Quantitative Data: How Many Visas Are Being Issued?

As of July 2025, the Indian government has not released exact numbers on how many visas have been issued to Afghan nationals since the resumption. However, the new system is expected to handle thousands of applications, especially from students, medical patients, and business travelers.

What About Bangladeshi Nationals?

While the focus of recent changes has been on Afghan nationals, the Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that there have been no major new announcements or policy changes for Bangladeshi nationals as of July 2025. Standard visa categories and procedures remain in place for Bangladeshis, who continue to be one of the largest groups of foreign nationals traveling to and living in India for work, education, and medical treatment.

Any updates or changes for Bangladeshi nationals will be posted on the official Indian visa portal and announced by the MEA.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for India’s Immigration Policy?

India’s immigration system is undergoing further modernization with the introduction of the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025. This bill aims to:

• Create a National Immigration Authority to oversee all immigration matters.
• Implement an Integrated Immigration Management System using biometrics and advanced technology for real-time tracking and verification of foreign nationals.
• Digitize and centralize all immigration records to improve efficiency and security.

These changes are expected to make the visa process even smoother for both Afghan and Bangladeshi nationals in the future. Depending on security and diplomatic developments, India may further expand or adjust visa categories and eligibility criteria for Afghans and other neighboring countries.

Practical Guidance: How to Apply for an Indian Visa as an Afghan National

If you are an Afghan national seeking to apply for an Indian visa, here’s what you need to do:

1. Go to the official Indian visa portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in.
2. Choose the correct visa category under the ‘AFGHAN Visa’ module.
3. Fill out the online application form and upload all required documents.
4. Submit your application and wait for processing.
5. If approved, receive your visa electronically or as a sticker, depending on your category.

For long-term visas, remember to register with the FRRO within 14 days of arrival in India. This is a legal requirement under the new Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025.

Key Documents You May Need:

• Valid passport
• Admission letter (for students)
• Medical appointment or hospital letter (for medical visas)
• Business invitation or proof of investment (for business visas)
• Proof of relationship (for family reunification)
• Invitation letter from Indian institution (for artists, academics, or cultural professionals)

Where to Find Official Information and Help

• Indian Visa Portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in – For all visa applications and updates.
• Ministry of External Affairs (MEA): mea.gov.in – For official press releases and policy updates.
• Bureau of Immigration (BoI): boi.gov.in – For rules, registration, and compliance information.

If you have questions about documentation, eligibility, or the application process, it’s best to consult the official Indian visa portal or contact the nearest Indian embassy or consulate.

Summary Table: Key Visa Categories for Afghan Nationals (2025)

Implications for Affected Communities

The resumption and expansion of visa issuance for Afghan nationals is a lifeline for many who have been separated from family, missed educational opportunities, or needed urgent medical care. It also supports Afghan business professionals and cultural figures who want to engage with India. At the same time, the new system’s strict security measures aim to protect India from illegal entry and other risks.

For Bangladeshi nationals, the steady visa policy means continued access to India for work, study, and medical treatment. Any future changes will be closely watched by both communities.

Actionable Takeaways

• Afghan nationals can now apply for a range of Indian visas online, with new categories and clearer rules.
• Register with the FRRO within 14 days of arrival if you have a long-term visa.
• Check the official Indian visa portal regularly for updates and detailed instructions.
• Bangladeshi nationals should continue to follow existing procedures and watch for any new announcements from the MEA.

India’s updated visa policy for Afghan nationals, guided by the Ministry of External Affairs, marks a new chapter in regional engagement and humanitarian support. By balancing openness with security, India aims to help those in need while protecting its own interests. For the latest information and step-by-step guidance, always rely on official government sources and trusted immigration news platforms.

Learn Today

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) → India’s government department managing foreign relations and visa policies.
FRRO → Foreigners Regional Registration Officer required for foreigner registration within 14 days of arrival.
Medical attendant visa → Visa category for caregivers accompanying patients seeking medical treatment in India.
UN diplomat visa → Visa type for Afghan United Nations officials on official assignments in India.
Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 → New law enhancing immigration rules, biometric tracking, and penalties for visa violations.

This Article in a Nutshell

India restarted Afghan visa issuance in July 2025, ending a nearly four-year freeze. New categories better serve students, business people, and medical patients through an online system improving transparency and security while maintaining strong humanitarian and regional ties amid ongoing security concerns.
— By VisaVerge.com