NEW DELHI — India’s External Affairs Ministry on Friday confirmed the resumption of visas to Afghan citizens after nearly four years, saying that under a newly introduced system, visas will now be granted in six categories.
The previous “e-Emergency X-Miscellaneous Visa” program, introduced after the fall of Kabul in August 2021, has been replaced with what Indian officials are calling a more structured and long-term visa model.
The new model includes medical, medical attendant, business, student, entry, and United Nations diplomatic visas.
“We now have a new visa model for Afghan nationals,” Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the ministry, said at a press briefing. “The expectation is that the new framework will help strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries.”
The confirmation follows earlier reports — including from Amu — that India had quietly restarted visa issuance for Afghans after a prolonged halt driven by security concerns and administrative uncertainty.
Afghan nationals already residing in India under the previous system will be required to renew or convert their existing visas in accordance with the new categories, officials said.
The policy shift marks a renewed step in India’s engagement with Afghan civilians and exiled communities, and comes as regional diplomacy intensifies around humanitarian access and cross-border movement.