The Indian government today announced a new category of electronic visa to fast-track applications from Afghans who wish to leave the Taliban-controlled country. The new visa category is called “e-Emergency X-Misc Visa”.
“MHA reviews visa provisions in view of the current situation in Afghanistan. A new category of electronic visa called “e-Emergency X-Misc Visa” was introduced to fast-track visa applications for entry into India,” Home Ministry said in a statement
The development comes as around 120 Indians stranded in Afghanistan are to be brought back to India in a day or two on an Indian Air Force aircraft. Around 500 Indian officials and security staff are stuck in the war-ravaged nation as of now. Many of them are in a secure area and will be brought back soon.
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Thousands of Afghans rushed into Kabul’s main airport on Monday, some so desperate to escape the Taliban that they held onto a military jet as it took off and plunged to their deaths.India also said that it will help members of Afghanistan’s tiny Sikh and Hindu community to come to India, the foreign ministry said on Monday.
“We are in constant touch with the representatives of Afghan Sikh and Hindu communities. We will facilitate repatriation to India of those who wish to leave Afghanistan,” foreign ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said in a statement.
Meanwhile, at least seven people died in the chaos, US officials said, as America’s longest war ended with its enemy the victor.
The crowds came while the Taliban enforced their rule over the capital of five million people after a lightning advance across the country that took just over a week to dethrone the country’s Western-backed government.
There were no major reports of abuses or fighting, but many residents stayed home and remained fearful after the insurgents’ advance saw prisons emptied and armories looted.
(With inputs from agencies)
