Overview

• India’s official visa portal introduced a ‘New AFGHAN Visa’ module in late April to process applications for Afghan nationals online.
• Visa issuance resumed across six categories—student, business, medical, medical attendant, entry and UN diplomat—after services were suspended in August 2021.
• Under the entry visa category, Afghan artists, academics and relatives of Indian citizens or OCI holders can join cultural events in India.
• Business visas now cover investors, entrepreneurs, sportspersons and coaches seeking long-term ventures or commercial engagements.
• The policy shift follows S. Jaishankar’s May 15 phone call with Amir Khan Muttaqi and reflects Taliban interest in investment ties and support for students and medical patients.