India Announces 'e-Emergency X-Misc Visa' To Fast Track Requests Of Afghans

The evacuation process via commercial flights was halted on Monday after it was announced that Afghanistan closed its airspace for commercial flights at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul.

Afghanistan Crisis

New Delhi: In view of the current situation in Afghanistan, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday announced a new category of electronic visa to fast-track visa applications of Afghans who want to come to India.

In an official statement issued today, the MHA spokesperson 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."

The announcement came two days after the Taliban captured power in Afghanistan. With Afghan President Ashraf Ghani escaping the country, leaving behind a crumbled government, there is a situation of fear and panic in the country.

Several Indian citizens and Afghan nationals residing here have come forward requesting the Government of India to help evacuate their family and relatives stranded in Afghanistan.

Thousands of Afghans as well as nationals of other countries rushed into Kabul's main airport on Monday in a desperate attempt to flee the country.

The evacuation process via commercial flights was halted and the Air India flight which was to take off at 12.30 PM IST on Monday was interrupted after it was announced that Afghanistan closed its airspace for all the commercial flights at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul.

As per the latest inputs, Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft has taken off from Kabul with more than 120 Indian officials in it. MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi reportedly said, "In view of the prevailing circumstances, it has been decided that our Ambassador in Kabul and his Indian staff will move to India immediately."